§ 1 and 2. Mr. KINGasked the Secretary of State for India (1) what were the dry dock charges payable for the period during which the "Abydos" was being refitted in 1916; whether these charges were payable to the British India Steam Navigation Company, which is a concern of the owners of the "Abydos;" how long was the "Abydos" in dry dock during refitting; (2) whether the "Abydos" steamship was an old German tramp ship, built twenty-five years ago, and that the cost of turning it into a floating workshop was more than the amount originally given for it by its present owners; whether the selection of this ship and its conversion were due to the Advisory Board appointed by the Government and the expensive work of refitting was carried out under this Board's directions; and whether any inquiry has been held or will be instituted into the expenditure of over £100,000 on this vessel?
§ The SECRETARY of STATE for INDIA (Mr. Montagu)I understand that the "Abydos" was built in 1890 and was at one time owned by a German company, but I have no knowledge of the price paid for her by her present owners. The vessel was impressed by the Government of India on the expert advice of the Indian Engineering Association that she was suitable for the purpose in view, and was refitted under the supervision of the Rivercraft Board. Members of the Board are also members of the association, but in fitting out the vessel the Board acted throughout with the approval, and as the trustees, of the Government of India. The dry dock charges during refitting, which lasted about two and a half months, amounted to Rs. 14,960, and were paid to Messrs. Mackinnon, Mackenzie and Company.
§ Sir J. D. REESIs it not probable that the information on which this is based can be traced to a competing steamship company in Calcutta?
§ Mr. MONTAGUI have not been able to discover in the least what the hon. Member's motive in asking this question is.
§ Mr. KINGIs it not very clear, namely, to disclose the authors of a gross piece of incompetence and waste of public money?
§ Mr. MONTAGUI have read the report with which the Government of India has furnished me, and I cannot find the slightest foundation for the hon. Member's charges.
§ Mr. KINGIs the right hon. Gentleman not aware that after considerable delay and expenditure of public money this ship was sent to Basra and returned at once as quite unsuited for the purpose for which it was sent?
§ Sir J. D. REESWill the right hon. Gentleman take into account the propriety of considering the cost of the repairs to the Ark?
§ Mr. KINGWill the right hon. Gentleman not answer this question: Has there not been a great waste of public money for no purpose whatever?
§ Mr. MONTAGUThe hon. Member must remember that there is not an inexhaustible supply of suitable ships, and that in an emergency we must take what we can get.