§ SIR WALTER B. BARTTELOTasked the First Lord of the Treasury, Whether it is the intention of the Government to strengthen our Naval Forces in the China Seas?
§ SIR THOMAS BRASSEYI am not prepared to state what are the intentions of the Government with regard to strengthening our Squadron in the China Seas. I may, however, say that the Agamemnon, which is already commissioned, has been ordered to China.
§ SIR WALTER B. BARTTELOTMy Question is one of some importance to the country, and I should like to have an answer from the Prime Minister.
MR. GLADSTONEThe hon. and gallant Baronet asks me a Question relating to a matter which is arranged betwen the Foreign Office and the Admiralty. My Office affords me a sufficient quantity of occupation; and I am not indisposed to ask my hon. Friends who represent other Departments in this House to answer Departmental Questions.
§ SIR WALTER B. BARTTELOTThen I beg to address the Question to the noble Lord the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs.
§ LORD EDMOND FITZMAURICEI communicated with the Admiralty on this subject, because the Question appeared to me to be one in connection with it. I think that if any hon. Member will look at the Question he will see that it is so. I am, however, quite willing to give the hon. and gallant Member any information in my power to-morrow, with the permission of the Secretary of State.
MR. GORSTasked whether there was any truth in the statement which had appeared in the newspapers that the Agamemnon could not steer, and must undergo extensive alterations before going to sea?
§ SIR THOMAS BRASSEYIf my hon. and learned Friend will give Notice of the Question, I will answer it. The Question relates to the Professional Department of the Admiralty.