§ MR. J. STEWARTasked the Secretary of State for War, Whether the Commission appointed to consider the question of the coast defences of the Country have yet reported; if not, whether he can state when the Report may be expected; and, whether the Report when made will be published?
§ MR. CHILDERSIn reply to my hon. Friend, I have to state that no such Commission has been appointed; but that an official Committee—Naval, Military, and Civil—presided over by Lord Morley, the Under Secretary of State for War, is steadily investigating the defences of commercial harbours. Their Report will be a very valuable one; but I cannot now say when I expect it to be completed, nor could I, under any circumstances, undertake to lay the whole of it on the Table, as much of it, from the very nature of the case, must be strictly confidential.