§ CAPTAIN PIMasked Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer, Whether Her Majesty's Government will, before filling up the office of First Lord of the Admiralty, take into consideration the advisability of making such changes in the administration of that department as, after due deliberation, shall be deemed best to ensure for the Nation the possession of an efficient Navy, whereon the wealth, safety, and strength of the Kingdom chiefly depends?
§ THE CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUERThe Government are always anxious to do what they can to improve the administration of all Departments of the Government, and, undoubtedly, the Admiralty is one of such importance that the attention of the Government is constantly directed to any question that may arise with regard to improvements in its administration; but we do not think that there would be much wisdom in undertaking to make changes at the present time while the office of the First Lord is vacant. We think it would be better to wait until that office is filled, and to have the advantage of the First Lord's experience and advice in making them.