§ MR. WAITasked the First Lord of the Admiralty, Whether it is true that Lady Franklin had requested that the last representative and nephew of the late Sir John Franklin might be appointed to one of the sub-lieutenancies in connection with the Arctic expedition; and, whether such request has been refused?
§ MR. HUNTSub-Lieutenant Franklin was one out of 44 officers of that rank who applied for employment in the Arctic expedition, and Lady Franklin wrote to urge that he might be selected. It was decided that only two sub-lieutenants should be appointed—one for each ship. Great pains were taken to select the fittest of those who had offered themselves, and for a service of so peculiar a character it was impossible to let sentiment prevail over other considerations. Had the number of sub-lieutenants to be employed been larger, young Mr. Franklin would have been chosen. I can assure my hon. Friend I feel much sympathy with Lady Franklin in the disappointment she feels with regard to this matter.