§ 4. Sir JOSEPH WALTONasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether he can now state the rate of commission per ton paid to the Admiralty charterers on coal shipped, and the total amount that has accrued since the outbreak of War under the contract?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAOne firm undertakes the whole of the Admiralty Coal Agency. The total amount of salary and commission accruing on Admiralty account from the beginning of the War to 31st December, 1915, is about £21,000. As against that figure, it must be remembered that the agents have been put to great additional expense during the War, having had to open for the transaction of Admiralty business a number of new 1577 agencies and sub-agencies at ports in the United Kingdom. They have submitted their books to examination by officers of the Department, and I am satisfied, from the reports received, that their profits from Admiralty business have been moderate.
§ Sir J. WALTONDoes not the right hon. Gentleman propose some modification in view of the large amount involved beyond what is necessary?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAI cannot admit that it is a large amount or more than is necessary, having regard to the volume of the operations. The whole matter is receiving very careful consideration.