§ MR. M'LARENasked the Secretary of State for War, Whether he intends to construct the defences of the Firth of Forth, for which plans were formerly prepared and the necessary land purchased by Her Majesty's Government, or some equally effective plan of defence, without further delay?
MR. GATHORNE HARDYSir, the question of the defence of the Firth of Forth has been very long before the public, and an engagement was made so long ago as 1859 by a Predecessor of mine in the War Office, under which certain stipulations were called for on the part of the city of Edinburgh and the county of Fife. The former of these have been fulfilled, but the latter have not hitherto been so. I have carefully gone into the matter, and it seems to me that the time has come when steps should be taken to carry the engagement into effect. I purpose, therefore, immediately to institute proceedings with that view.
§ MR. M'LARENsaid, that after the statement by the right hon. Gentleman, he would withdraw the Notice he had given of his intention to bring the matter before the House.