§ CAPTAIN COLOMB (Tower Hamlets, Bow, &c.)asked the Secretary of State for War, Whether the Committee appointed to consider with him the plans proposed for the fortifications and armament of the Military and Home Mercantile Ports inquired into the strength and composition of the war fleets and distribution of the military ports of the Continental Powers; and into the sufficiency of our war Fleet to carry out now, in the event of war, the traditional naval policy of England by the prompt assertion on the outbreak of war, and the maintenance during war, of naval superiority off an enemy's port on the most effectual and certain means of securing the safety of our own; and, whether he will communicate to the House the terms of Reference or Instructions to this Committee, the titles of all documents, plans, and charts submitted for examination; the names and occupations of all persons who gave evidence; and, also a statement showing the number and duration of the sittings of the Committee?
§ THE SECRETARY OF STATE (Mr. E. STANHOPE) (Lincolnshire, Horncastle)1239 The Committee, which rendered me such invaluable assistance in considering the defences of our ports, did inquire into the nature of the armament carried on board the ships of Foreign Powers, the object being to ascertain what defences were required against any probable attacks. They obtained evidence from many distinguished naval officers as to the dangers to be apprehended; but they had nothing whatever to do with any questions affecting our Fleet. If my hon. Friend will read the Report, he will find the terms of Reference to the Committee and the names of the most important witnesses examined. The Committee sat for more than 20 days.
§ CAPTAIN COLOMBasked, whether the Committee had any information before them as to the number of the warships of Foreign Powers?
§ MR. E. STANHOPEreplied that the number of foreign war-ships was not an essential part of the information placed before the Committee; but that they had before them some information upon the subject.