§ MR. W. H. SMITH (Strand, Westminster)asked the Secretary of State for War, If he will state what provision is made in the Estimates for 1886–7 for the defences of the coaling stations, the military ports and the commercial ports respectively, and the specific purposes in 1369 each case to which the money already voted and now asked for has been or will be applied; and, whether he will lay upon the Table a Paper showing the original Estimates for the several defences, and the progress made in providing them?
THE SECRETARY OF STATE (Mr. CAMPBELL-BANNERMAN) (, &c.) StirlingI have already stated in answer to Questions the sums proposed for coaling stations. As regards military and commercial ports, we do not intend to go beyond the normal provision, excepting in submarine mining defences, for which £40,000 will be provided under Vote 13. With regard to "the specific purposes in each case," as to which my right hon. Friend inquires, I will ask him to allow me to follow the example set by himself last year, and to decline, in the interests of the Public Service, to give details of the precise places and manner at and in which the money should be expended.