§ Mr. BOTTOMLEYasked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether his attention has been called to the statement of the chairman of the Thames Ironworks to the effect that, in connection with the erection of the floating crane necessary for the building of His Majesty's ship "Thunderer," several German engineers and erectors will be employed; whether he adheres to his assurances that only one German would be so employed; and whether he will state upon whose authority such assurance was given to the House?
§ Mr. McKENNAI have seen the statement of the chairman of the Thames Ironworks Company to which the hon. Gentleman refers. I adhere to my statement made in this House that I was informed by the responsible representative of the Thames Ironworks Company that only one German would be employed upon the erection of the jib. The responsible official referred to was the secretary of the company.
§ Mr. BOTTOMLEYIn view of the divergence of the information given by the secretary and the chairman of the Thames Ironworks Company, respectively, may I 1878 ask whether it has ever occurred to the right hon. Gentleman to call for the production of the contract between the German building firm and the Thames Ironworks Company, and if it has not, may I request him, with great humility, to act on the suggestion?
§ Mr. McKENNANo, Sir. I would point out to my hon. Friend that in this matter the last word remains with the Admiralty. Under our contract with the Thames Ironworks Company we are entitled to see that absolute secrecy is observed, and in these circumstances, no matter what the contract may be between the Thames Ironworks Company and the German firm we shall see that secrecy is observed.