§ 22. Mr. T. M. HEALYasked the Secretary to the Admiralty if his attention has been called to a complaint as to the charge made to the Admiralty for water by the Lame Harbour Commissioners, namely; 1s. per 100 gallons, for which they only pay the local authority 6d. per 1,000 gallons; and will the Government enforce against this body the right of supply of a vital requisite for His Majesty's ships without being thus victimised?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAMy attention had not previously been directed to the matter. I am instituting enquiries into it.
§ Mr. RONALD McNEILLWill the right hon. Gentleman ascertain whether the prices charged to the Admiralty were precisely the same as those charged to other-users, and did not leave any profit or cover the interest on capital?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAIn this instance?
§ Mr. McNEILLYes.
§ Dr. MACNAMARAThat I cannot say.
§ Mr. McNEILLWill the right hon. Gentleman also ascertain whether this body has not provided berths for 2,000 of His Majesty's ships without charging any fee for light and accommodation, and if they have not given every possible assistance to the Admiralty?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAI have no doubt that is true, and I am quite sure they would not wish to make that up by charging too much for the water.
§ Mr. HEALYMay I send the right hon. Gentleman a copy of the "Larne Times" showing that the question was only put after the Admiralty had made complaints to the local authorities?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAI shall be pleased to receive a copy of the paper.