HC Deb 29 May 1862 vol 167 cc90-1
MR. LINDSAY

said, he would beg to ask the First Lord of the Treasury, If he has any objection to lay upon the table of the House a Return of the number of Iron-cased Vessels built and building, or in course of conversion, for the use of Her Majesty's Navy; and a Copy of the List in the possession of Her Majesty's Government, of the thirty-six Iron-cased Ships said to be built or building for the Government of France, with the state of progress and tonnage of each vessel, as far as practicable, and in both cases distinguishing sea-going ships from floating batteries?

VISCOUNT PALMERSTON

There can be no objection, Sir, to laying on the table of the House a Return of the number of Iron-cased Vessels built and building, or in course of conversion, for the use of Her Majesty's Navy, when they were launched or when they were expected to be launched, as far as the Admiralty can furnish, that information. With regard to the iron-clad ships in the French service, there will also be no difficulty, believe, in laying before the House, from the Foreign Office documents, the number and names of ships which are built and building, and the place where those ships were launched. "With regard to the particular state of progress of each vessel, am not sure we have the means of giving such details. Perhaps the French documents may give the time when those that are not yet launched may be expected to be launched.

MR. LINDSAY

said, he wished to know if it were the case that a special document was given by the French Government to Lord Cowley, with the request that Captain Gower, the naval aide-de-camp to the Embassy at Paris, might go and examine for himself? If the noble Lord had any such document, would he lay it on the table of the House?

VISCOUNT PALMERSTON

I have no doubt, if Captain Gower applied for permission to visit the French arsenals and dockyards, no difficulty would be thrown in his way, and that every facility would be given to him. But am not aware that any such document as that alluded to by the hon. Member has been given to Lord Cowley.