§ MR. ALFRED DAVIESI beg to ask the Secretary to the Admiralty if he will state what transports he has hired for the return of the troops from South Africa; what prices he has contracted to pay; what intermediaries, if any, he is employing to hire transports; and whether he will take steps to ensure strict economy being exercised in these transactions.
§ THE SECRETARY TO THE ADMIRALTY (Mr. ARNOLD-FORSTER,) Belfast, W.In addition to the transports already in Government service, five fresh vessels have been engaged in anticipation of future requirements. It has not hitherto been considered to the advantage of the public service to publish the rates of hire, and it is considered inexpedient to depart from the practice at the present time. No intermediaries are being employed by the Admiralty to hire transports. Every endeavour has been made, and will be made, to secure thoroughly suitable vessels on the best terms obtainable.