§ MR. NORWOODasked the Secretary to the Admiralty, If he will state what provision, if any, is being made for the protection of British commerce in the Black Sea and Baltic?
§ SIR THOMAS BRASSEYThe subject of this Question has engaged and is engaging the anxious attention of Her Majesty's Government; but it would not be consistent with the public interest to reply to the Question.
§ MR. NORWOODIs the hon. Gentleman aware that the navigation of the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov has reopened; that there are 200 British steamers there; and that the Lower Baltic has also resumed business? This is a matter of great pressure and importance.
§ SIR THOMAS BRASSEYI have already told my hon. Friend that the subject has engaged and is engaging the anxious attention of the Admiralty.