§ MR. KEARLEYI beg to ask the President of the Board of Trade if he will state the date of purchase, original cost, and amount since expended on maintenance of the two steam launches for the special repair of which a vote of £1,000 has recently been taken on Supplementary Estimates.
§ MR. GERALD BALFOURThe two launches referred to by the hon. Member are the "Wasp" and the "Cockchafer," stationed at Middlesbrough and Queenstown respectively. The former was purchased in 1876 and cost, when ready for service, £598. A sum of £2,941 was expended in maintenance (including repairs, stores, coal, etc.) during the twenty-six years up to the 31st January last. The latter was purchased in 1884 at a cost of £2,500, and a sum of £2,572 was expended in maintenance (including repairs, stores, coal, etc.) during the eighteen years up to 31st January last. The "Wasp" was not a new vessel when purchased, but the "Cockchafer" was built to the order of the Board of Trade.