§ MR. T. H. SMITHasked the First Lord of the Treasury, Whether, considering the great interest felt in the proceedings of the Royal Commission on Loss of Life at Sea, and the decision of that Commission to sit with closed doors, he will take steps to have the evidence laid before Parliament in detached portions as soon as may be convenient after it has been given?
§ MR. CHICHESTER FORTESCUESir, this appears to be a matter mainly dependent upon the discretion of the Royal Commissioners themselves. I am informed that the Commissioners have resolved not to make their proceedings public from day to day, and I have no doubt that in their minds the same reason which led them to that conclusion would lead them to the conclusion that the evidence ought not to be made public in the course of their proceedings.