§ CAPTAIN SCOBELLasked the First Lord of the Treasury whether it was intended by Government to entertain the proposition of Admiral the Earl of Dundonald; and, if not, whether the Government would object to the "searching investigation" into the merits of the plan, and which the Earl of Dundonald continues to solicit?
§ VISCOUNT PALMERSTONThe Earl of Dundonald, everybody knows, is a most distinguished officer, and who not only combines naval and practical experience, but has also very great scientific attainments. The Earl of Dundonald from time to time has signified to the Government of the day that he has a plan which he conceives would afford great facilities for naval attacks on fortresses. That plan was last year submitted to the consideration of a Committee of naval officers and scientific men, and is still under the consideration of Her Majesty's Government. But under the circumstances I really cannot 1555 answer the question of my gallant Friend as to the intention of the Government on the subject. It is enough to say that those professional and scientific men, to whom I have referred, stated that they found grave difficulties to lie in the way of a practical execution of the project.