§ MR. E. STANHOPEasked the Secretary to the Admiralty, Whether his attention has been called to a telegram from the Portsmouth Correspondent of The Times, (March 27th) headed "England and Russia," and referring to the armament of the Mercury; and, whether he will endeavour to prevent Dockyard Officials from giving information to the Press as to the armament of ships being fitted for active service, especially when, as in this case, it appears to be defective?
§ SIR THOMAS BRASSEYThere is no evidence that information was improperly given by a Dockyard official to The Times Correspondent at Portsmouth. The Mercury's armament is complete as originally planned for the duties which properly belong to an armed despatch boat. The armament consists of 64-pounders, which are powerful ship-guns.