HC Deb 09 August 1888 vol 330 cc111-2
ADMIRAL FIELD (Sussex, Eastbourne)

asked the Lord Advocate, Whether the Lord Provost of Edinburgh, as "Lord High Admiral of the Firth of Forth," took any steps to defend the port of Leith against the recent attack by a hostile fleet on the occasion of its visit to the waters of the Forth; and, whether it is true that the Fort on the Island of Inchkeith was silenced, the Forth Bridge destroyed, and the City of Edinburgh bombarded; and, if so, whether the office of "Lord High Admiral of the Firth of Forth" may be forthwith abolished, as implying responsibility without power?

MR. CALDWELL (Glasgow, St. Rollox)

Before the Lord Advocate answers the Question, I wish to ask him whether, as Colonel of the Volunteer Brigade at Edinburgh, he did not consider it his duty——

MR. SPEAKER

Order! If the hon. Gentleman likes to ask the Question of a Minister of the Crown, it would be in Order for him to do so.

THE LORD ADVOCATE (Mr. J. H. A. MACDONALD) (Edinburgh and St. Andrew's Universities)

I am not aware what steps were taken by the Lord High Admiral of the Firth of Forth on the occasion in question; but I may inform my hon. and gallant Friend that, as far as I am aware, that distinguished naval officer has only a phantom fleet under his command, and probably acted wisely in keeping it out of sight. I cannot say that the Fort of Inch keith was silenced, as I believe it never spoke. I am glad to say that my native city was not bombarded, as I, being here, was unable to do anything in its defence. If the only reason for abolishing the office of Lord High Admiral is that it involves responsibility, I am unable to approve of its abolition on that ground, as I have no reason to believe that it has responsibility. I must, however, admit that it has no power.

MR. CALDWELL

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for War, whether it was the duty of the Lord Advocate, as Colonel of the Volunteers at Edinburgh, to be in command of his regiment in view of any attack that might be made on the city?

THE SECRETARY OF STATE (Mr. E. STANHOPE) (Lincolnshire, Horncastle)

I am quite sure my right hon. and learned Friend discharges his duties as Colonel of the Edinburgh Brigade with such distinguished value to the public service that he will always be there at the call of duty. But I think the hon. Member must be aware that in the course of the naval manœuvres now going on, the land defences, including submarine mining, are not taking any part whatever in the operations.