§ SIR JOHN HAYI have given the hon. Gentleman the Secretary to the Admiralty private Notice of the Question which I am going to put to him; but perhaps the House will permit me to offer a few words of explanation. His Royal Highness the Duke of Edinburgh is in command of the Channel Squadron at present in the Mediterranean, and it is stated in the ordinary sources of public information that this illustrious person is about to proceed with a brigade of seamen and marines from his squadron to the Red Sea, and there to perform certain duties. I wish to ask the Secretary to the Admiralty whether this be true? Because I may point out that Sir William Hewett, at present Governor of the Bed Sea and Commander-in-Chief on the East Indian Station, is a junior officer to His Royal Highness. If His Royal Highness were appointed to discharge these duties he would, no doubt, perform them with the greatest ability; still, it would be very inconvenient if Sir William Hewett were superseded by any person, however distinguished. I therefore wish to ask the Question of which I have given private Notice.
§ MR. CAMPBELL - BANNERMANSir, I should have thought it was hardly necessary to give an official denial to the report alluded to by the right hon. Gentleman. There is no foundation whatever for it. As, however, the Question has been asked, I may, perhaps, be allowed to take the opportunity of stating that Her Majesty's Government have the most perfect confidence in Sir William Hewett, and have no wish but to support him by all the means in their power.