§ MR. W. WHITWORTHasked the First Lord of the Admiralty, If he will lay upon the Table of the House a Copy of the Minute or Order authorising the construction or other department of the Admiralty to furnish to the Russian Government (previous to and up to the commencement of the late Crimean War) 895 general and detailed working plans of any of our war ships building or about to be built, and also if information of this description can still be obtained by that Government?
§ MR. HUNTSir, I have caused search to be made as far back as 1848, and no trace of any such Minute or Order as that mentioned in the Question can be found at the Admiralty. With regard to the second part of the Question, I have to say there is no general rule or order as to giving detailed plans of ships building or about to be built to any foreign Governments. Whenever an application is made it is considered on its merits, and a decision given at the time.