§ MR. KEARLEY (Devonport)I beg to ask the Civil Lord of the Admiralty whether the Admiralty intend to oppose the Motion "H. M. S. Victoria, — Return for," &c, now on the Paper; if so, what are the reasons for so doing?
§ THE CIVIL LORD OF THE ADMIRALTY (Mr. E. ROBERTSON, Dundee)The Admiralty have no power and no responsibility in this matter; but I am in communication with the Commissioners of the Patriotic Fund with a view to getting the information asked for.
§ MR. KEARLEYArising out- of that reply, may I ask whether, at the time the fund was handed over, Lord Spencer did not make certain conditions with the Patriotic Commission? How does the hon. Gentleman reconcile that fact with the statement that the Admiralty have no responsibility for these funds?
§ MR. E. ROBERTSONI have no right to speak for my right hon. Friend, but I think he was not acting in an official capacity. He was consulted because of the high office he holds.