§ MR. TOTTENHAMasked the Secretary to the Admiralty, If it is the case that H.M.S. "Valorous" was sent from Plymouth to Kingstown on or about 8th instant for the purpose of conveying convicts to Holyhead; whether she left Kingstown for Holyhead on the 12th with a batch of 23 convicts, returned to Kingstown on 13th and left again on 15th with a similar batch; also, if he will state whether her duties on this particular service are now ended, and what sufficient reasons existed for departure from the usual practice of sending convicts by the ordinary passenger boats, and what has been the cost to the Country of this expedition?
§ MR. CAMPBELL-BANNERMANSir, I understand that the facts are generally as stated in the hon. Member's Question. The Valorous was employed upon this service in consequence of a request for such a vessel from the Irish Government. I have not been able, in the course of this morning, to ascertain definitely the cost involved, which will be chiefly that of the coal consumed.