§ SIR. MICHAEL HICKS-BEACHasked the Secretary of State for War, Whether Her Majesty's Government have decided to give up the fortifications on Bere Island, commanding the entrance to Bantry Bay; what is the reason for this decision; why, if these fortifications are given up, those on Whiddy Island, at the head of the Bay, eighteen miles from the entrance, are to be retained; and, whether he can lay upon the Table any Reports or Correspondence on the subject?
THE MARQUESS OF HARTINGTONBere Island and the obsolete works upon it are to be abandoned, because the site is not considered to be one suitable for modern works of defence. Whiddy Island, being suitable as a site for such works, will be retained. The communications on the subject are regarded as confidential, and I cannot lay them on the Table.