further asked what is the number of major-generals and colonels, other than lieutenant-colonels, respectively, who are either drawing pensions or who are on half-pay; and what is the cost to the country in each case?

The numbers vary from day to day, but the latest figures available are:

Invitations to tender for these ships were only issued to firms well known to be capable of carrying out the work efficiently, and the two lowest tenders were accepted. It would be undesirable and contrary to established practice to divulge the actual prices quoted by the firms who tender for contracts.