§ Lord CHARLES BERESFORDasked whether the contract for the salvage of Submarine A3 has been given to a foreign company; whether the First Lord of the Admiralty will state the name of the company; whether the British National Salvage Association had a vessel or vessels all ready to undertake the contract; whether that association tendered to render assistance on the 3rd February, 1912; and, if so, whether he will state to the House why the tender of the British National Salvage Association was not accepted?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLThe company in question is understood to be a British company; it is known as the Sea Salvage Company. Several companies offered assistance, of which the company named in the question was one. It is contrary to Admiralty custom to give reasons for non-acceptance of tenders. The company selected was chosen by officers on the spot as being capable of rendering immediate service.