§ Mr. STANIERasked whether the lifebuoys on H.M.S. "Fox" are foreign made; and, if so, could the same article have been made in Great Britain?
§ Mr. McKENNATwo types of lifebuoys including those specially adapted for night use, are supplied to His Majesty's ship "Fox" and others of His Majesty's ships. One of these types, namely the night buoy, is manufactured in the United Kingdom; the second type is made of reindeer hair, and supplies are obtained from Norway. British firms, however, are also invited to tender for the reindeer hair type, but hitherto samples and prices submitted by British firms have not admitted of an order being placed with them.
§ Mr. STANIERCan the right hon. Gentleman say how it is that those buoys bear a German name and a German address on them?
§ Mr. McKENNAI will inquire further into the point, but my information is that those buoys are supplied from a Norway firm.