§ MR. E. JENKINSasked Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer, Whether it is 187 true that a fleet has been sent to Besika Bay; whether, if true, this action is taken in conjunction with the French Government; and, if it be true, with what object?
§ MR. W. H. SMITH, in reply, said, he had been requested by his right hon. Friend to reply to the Question of the hon. Member. He was not aware that the Fleet was at Besika Bay. It was possible that it might be in that direction; but no orders had been given by the Admiralty on the subject. The Admiral was simply taking his usual cruise, and reporting from time to time, the places he visited. Under these circumstances, it was, of course, impossible that there could have been any communication with the French Government on the subject.