§ MR. JAMES STEWARTasked the Secretary of State for War, If he has yet taken any action with reference to the defences of the Clyde; whether he has considered the statement in the Report of the Committee on the Volunteer Force, that "a School of Instruction for Officers of Artillery Volunteers is much wanted in Scotland or the North of England," and also the proposal for the formation on the Clyde and other places of Submarine Mining Companies; and, whether these three objects might not 64 advantageously be carried out in one scheme?
§ COLONEL STANLEY, in reply, said, he had not been able to take action yet with reference to the defences of the Clyde, because it was his desire that the defences of the Clyde and other commercial ports should be inquired into by a Committee of experienced officers. Force of circumstances had hitherto prevented his obtaining the services of the officers he had fixed upon. Steps were being taken to inquire what place in Scotland or the North of England might be suitable for the establishment of a School of Instruction. With reference to the foundation of Submarine Mining Companies, he had not seen his way to make any proposal this year. There was no necessary connection between the three objects, and he did not think they could be considered as a whole in one scheme.