§ SIR JOHN HAYsaid, he rose to ask the Secretary to the Admiralty, If there is any truth in the rumour that a wooden three-decker is being fitted as the new Flag Ship for the Mediterranean; and whether the Admiralty consider it prudent to employ a ship of that description on so important a duty?
§ LORD CLARENCE PAGETstated, in reply, that the Victoria was being fitted to go out to the Mediterranean. It was the intention of the Admiralty to fit some of the large armour ships as flag ships, hut, at present, none had been so fitted. He thought the Victoria was quite capable of performing the duties which would be required of her.