§ CAPTAIN NORTONI beg to ask the Secretary of State for War whether his attention has been drawn to an apparent loss to Army Votes under arrangements with the Cape Government for certain coal supplies set forth in the report of the Controller General, from which it appears that the Cape Government paid only from 46s. 10d. to 56s. 10d. per ton 1262 for English steam coal, including landing charges, the cost of which to Army funds varied from £4 12s. to £5 5s. I per ton, and whether he can say what steps are being taken in connection with this matter.
LORD STANLEYIn the early stages of the war it was imperative that the Cape Railways should have an ample supply of coal. The Cape Government have claimed that the Imperial Government should repay the excess cost over that of coal obtained on their running contracts. This claim is under consideration.