HC Deb 05 August 1870 vol 203 cc1575-6
MR. MAGUIRE

said, he would beg to ask the First Lord of the Admiralty, Whether, considering the necessity which has arisen for demanding a Supplemental Vote for the better defence of the country, it is the intention of the Government to press on the works of the Royal Dock at Hawlbowline, so as to secure its completion in a shorter period than five years from the present time, as now estimated?

MR. CHILDERS

said, in reply, that there were considerable demands for the acceleration of local works at the present time. The hon. and gallant Member for Stamford (Sir John Hay) proposed to ask a Question with regard to works on the East (at Chatham), and his hon. Friend the Member for Portsmouth (Sir James Elphinstone) intended to ask a Question about works on the South Coast. It was impossible for him to say off-hand to what extent it would be wise or proper to comply with these extensive demands; but he might state that they had already accelerated to a considerable extent the speed of the works at Hawl- bowline, and he could promise that due attention would be given to the subject.