§ Order for going into Committee of Supply read.
§ MR. BENTINCKsaid, the answers which had been given to questions addressed to the noble Lord at the head of the Government and to the First Lord of the Admiralty, led him to the conclusion 1713 that the defences of the country were in a most inadequate and defective state. He had to-night put a question on the subject to the noble Lord, but as he had not succeeded in eliciting any answer or explanation he begged to give notice that he would take the earliest opportunity, on going into Committee of Supply, of bringing the condition of the national defences under the notice of the House.
§ VISCOUNT PALMERSTONI can assure the hon. Gentleman it was from no disrespect to him that his question was unanswered, but really such a multiplicity of subjects have been dancing before my eyes that his inquiries escaped my recollection. I do not agree, however, with the hon. Gentleman that the country is in a defenceless state. On the contrary, I consider that we are adequately provided against any emergency that can arise, and we have ample means of increasing our defences if it should be necessary to do so. I do not think the public money would be wisely expended in calling out the militia at the present moment, because I don't think their services are at all required. Such a course would not only involve a waste of the public money, but also a very unnecessary interference with the industry of the country, and would be attended with great inconvenience both to officers and men. I think, therefore, it would be a very unadvisable proceeding. We have the militia, with all the military experience they have acquired during the war, and if from any unfortunate course of events their services were required, I am quite sure the shortest notice would be sufficient to bring them under arms in defence of the country. I must say, therefore, that I totally disagree with the hon. Gentleman in his opinion that the country is devoid of proper defences, and I shall be quite ready to maintain my view whenever it may suit him to call the attention of the House to the subject.
§ Motion made and Question proposed, "That Mr. Speaker do now leave the chair."