§ MR. HENRY BAILLIEsaid, he wished to ask the Secretary to the Admiralty, Whether the Government have received any information relative to the preparations of the French Iron-clad Fleet for immediate service; whether they know the number of ships of which that Fleet consists; and whether any preparations are being made to maintain our Fleet upon an equality with that of France?
MR. BARINGSir, the Admiralty have received no information of the preparation of the French iron-clad fleet for immediate service. I am therefore relieved from the necessity of answering the other two Questions put by the hon. Member.