§ MR. J. STEWARTasked the Secretary of State for War, Whether it is the intention of the Government to erect defences at the entrance to the Firth of Clyde, and so to give security to the large amount of shipping and other property which, in its present defenceless condition, would, in the event of war, invite attack?
THE MARQUESS OF HARTINGTONThe Report of the Committee on the Defences of the Mercantile Ports of the United Kingdom, which was presided over by Lord Morley, was referred for detailed consideration by the Departments concerned. I believe these detailed Reports are now practically completed. They have not, however, yet been submitted to me; and until they have been so submitted, I am not prepared to state what action is proposed to be taken by the Government in consequence of the Report of the Committee.