HC Deb 10 March 1884 vol 285 cc1034-5
VISCOUNT LEWISHAM

asked the Secretary to the Admiralty, with reference to the Gilstand, Whether it is a fact that the military authorities at Malta refused to permit a certain body of soldiers to proceed in that ship, in which the Marines were afterwards sent?

MR. CAMPBELL-BANNERMAN

No, Sir. We have heard nothing of any such occurrence; and it is in the highest degree improbable that the military authorities were consulted as to the embarkation of soldiers in the Gilsland, because, from the first, express directions were given by the Admiralty that she should convey Marines.

CAPTAIN PRICE

gave Notice that, on going into Committee of Supply, he would call attention to the matter, and ask, Whether it was not the case that the usual survey was not made?

MR. CAMPBELL-BANNERMAN

said, he could answer the Question at once. He did not think there would have been time to receive any such survey at the Admiralty before the Marines were embarked for Egypt.