Mr. W. JOHN STEWARTasked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he will give the amount of money spent by his Department in Northern Ireland during the year ended March, 1936; and what contracts have been awarded to Northern Ireland during the past 10 years?
§ Sir S. HOAREDuring the financial year 1935 contracts were placed with firms in Northern Ireland for textiles, clothing, boats, rafts and fresh provisions for ships visiting Northern Irish ports, to a total 1017W approximate value of £14,500. In addition, His Majesty's Ship "Penelope" ordered in March, 1934, is still under construction at Belfast. I regret that information regarding contracts awarded 1018W during the last 10 years is not readily available. Its compilation would necessitate search in office records involving an expenditure of time and labour which would not be justified.