§ MR. PARTINGTON (Derbyshire, High Peak)To ask the Secretary to the Admiralty whether, having regard to the increased consignment of military and naval stores to Gibraltar since 843 1894, and to the fact that no tenders for transport of same have been invited since that date, he will now consider the advisability of permitting other shipping companies to tender for the contract in question.
(Answered by Mr. Pretyman.) The question has been carefully considered in consultation with the Admiralty shipping agents, and, in view of the terms of the present contract and the conditions of the Gibraltar trade, it is not considered that any advantage would be gained by inviting fresh tenders. The contract gives a regular weekly service, and has been carried out very satisfactorily.