§ Mr. HERBERT CRAIGasked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether he will state, in regard to the three vessels employed in the examination service of the River Tyne, the "Southern Prince," the "Ben Arthur," and the "Great Emperor." what was the original cost of each of these vessels; what, is the present monthly rate of hire paid by the War Office; what is the total amount of hire earned by each vessel up to date and the name of the owner of each vessel; and whether he can say if any modification has yet been made in the terms upon which 209W these vessels are hired by the War Office so as to reduce the disparity of cost as compared with similar vessels requisitioned by the Admiralty?
Mr. BAKERThe information asked for by the hon. Member may be summarised as follows:—
— Original Cost. Present Monthly Rate of Hire. Total Amount earned by each Vessel. Name of Owner. £ £ £ "Southern Prince" … 7,200 500 2,568 The Prince Fishing Co., Ltd., Union Road, North Shields. "Ben Arthur" … 7,000 500 2,568 Richard Irwin and Sons, Ltd., Union Road, North Shields. "Great Emperor" … 8,000 510 6,422 The John Dry Steam Tugs, Ltd., Mill Dam, South Shields. The rate of hire of the "Great Emperor" is being reduced to £450 per month from the 22nd instant, and that of the other two vessels has been reduced considerably since they were first hired. As the hon. Member has recently been informed by letter, it is impossible, with any degree of accuracy, to compare the cost of hiring these trawlers with the cost of similar vessels requisitioned by the Admiralty.