§ MR. MILLSsaid, he would beg to ask the First Lord of the Admiralty, If it is true that arrangements have been made for handing over to the War Department the eastern portion of Woolwich Dockyard; and, if so, if he will state when and how he will be prepared to dispose of the remaining portion?
§ MR. CHILDERSThe delay in disposing of Woolwich Dockyard has been occasioned partly by the necessity of exercising caution in not parting with property which might be required by the War Office, and partly by the extreme intricacy of the title. We have, however, decided that part of the Dockyard to the west should be handed over to the War Department, and we are in communication with the Woods and Forests, who have the principal interest in the eastern part, with a view to arrange for its sale or letting immediately. I am to receive in a few days a deputation from the town on the subject; but, meanwhile, the ground has been carefully lotted out, and I have received much valuable assistance from my hon. Friend the Member for Bath (Sir William Tite), as to the best arrangements in the matter.