CAPTAIN TALBOTsaid, he rose to ask the Secretary to the Admiralty, Whether the Admiralty still adhere to their project of constructing a dock at the head of the Marda at Malta, notwithstanding the strong objections offered to it by Admiral Sir William Martin and Vice Admiral Codrington, as appears in the papers lying upon the table?
§ LORD CLARENCE PAGETin reply said, the Admiralty had seen no reason for altering their opinion and decision with regard to the new dock at Malta. They were certainly not disposed, under any circumstances, to make any alteration that would break faith with the Maltese Colonial Government. Nevertheless, there were such conflicting opinions entertained by various officers and others acquainted with the subject, that the Admiralty had given directions for an eminent engineer to proceed to Malta to inquire into and report thereon, and he hoped the Report would be ready shortly after Easter. He would take that opportunity of saying that the Navy Estimates, which he had that night laid upon the table, would be printed and in the hands of hon. Members on Monday, and he hoped to take the discussion on them on Monday week.