§ SIR JOHN HAYasked the Secretary to the Admiralty, Why the Mediterranean Squadron off Alexandria is not strengthened by such armour-clads as the "Audacious," "Defence," "Penelope," and "Resistance," whose draught of water will permit them to enter that harbour, in addition to or in place of the "Alexandra," "Inflexible," "Superb," and "Temeraire," which draw too much water to leave it with certainty or safety?
§ MR. CAMPBELL-BANNERMANSir, I regret that I can make no other answer to the Question of my right hon. and gallant Friend (Sir John Hay) than this—that the Admiralty are taking the steps which they consider best for the disposition of Her Majesty's Naval Forces in the Mediterranean, including Alexandria, and I must ask the House to allow me to decline entering into any particulars on the subject.