§ MR. KNATCHBULL-HUGESSENsaid, he wished to ask the Secretary to the Admiralty, Whether the Government will give an assurance that they will take no steps during the Recess to reduce the establishment at Sheerness Dockyard; and, whether the Government will take into their consideration the propriety of extending the capabilities of Sheerness Dockyard as a fitting and repairing yard in connection with the new works at Chatham?
LORD HENRY LENNOXsaid, in reply, that the Question of his hon. Friend appeared to be based on the supposition that the Government had formed the idea of abolishing Sheerness Dockyard; but no such idea, so far as he was aware, was entertained. With regard to the second Question he need scarcely point out to his hon. Friend that the Admiralty could not expend during the coming year more money than had been voted, and no sum had been taken for the purpose stated. He might add, for the satisfaction of his hon. Friend, that Sheerness Dockyard had done good service during the year, both in the way of repairing and building ships.