§ MR. PALKsaid, he wished to ask the Secretary of State for War, Whether the expenses of Fortifying Plymouth and Devonport are included in the Estimates that have been laid upon the Table?
§ MR. SIDNEY HERBERTsaid, that the Estimates on the Table contained a lump sum on the subject of fortifications, without specifying the particular places to which the money was to be applied. It was rather unusual; but the hon. Gentle- 1230 man would have probably guessed that the reason was that the Report of the Commissioners on National Defences, in a complete form, was only placed in his hands on Saturday last. It was a matter of very grave and serious consideration, and he wished to have time to lay it before the Government, with the view to settle whatever plans it was expedient to adopt. Under those circumstances he had taken a lump sum The continuance of all existing works was included, and at a later period he would state the course which the Government intended to take upon the whole subject.