§ Lord CHARLES BERESFORDasked whether any reduction has been made in the prices paid in the Royal Dockyard at Portsmouth for iron caulking and chipping (pneumatic work only); and, if so, whether this reduction has received the sanction of the Admiralty; what was the date on which the reduction had to come into effect; and was such reduction recommended by the officers in charge of the men so employed?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAThe replies to the first and second parts of the question are in the affirmative. The date asked for in the third part is 1st May. I do not know that any useful purpose would be served by a statement setting forth the opinions on this matter of the particular officers referred to in the fourth part of the question.