§ Sir J. DAVIDSONasked the Secretary of State for India if the Government river craft in Mesopotamia has yet been sold; and, if so, to whom it has been sold, the date and conditions of sale, the description of the craft sold, and whether any monopoly of river transport is being created?
Mr. HOPEI have been asked to reply. A portion of the Mesopotamian river fleet, which is surplus to the present requirements of the civil and military authorities, was sold last month. The number of boats sold was 362 of various types, and the number of purchasers, 35. The sales were by sealed tenders in India and Mesopotamia, and the approximate amount realised is £1,750,000 sterling. No monopoly has been created.