§ LORD GEORGE HAMILTON (Middlesex, Ealing)I beg to ask the Secretary to the Admiralty if he could state what is the latest information received as to the position and condition of H.M.S. Howe?
THE SECRETARY TO THE ADMIRALTY (Sir U. KAY-SHUTTLEWORTH,) Lancashire, ClitheroeA telegram was received yesterday evening from the senior naval officer at Ferrol. The coal, ammunition, and all removable weights are being got out of the fore part of the ship, which is now clear of water; but the main pumping operations are suspended till the next spring tides. In the meantime, the question of blocking the ship up, as she rights to eight degrees, is being considered, with a view of placing mats and sails under her starboard side. Arrangements are also in progress to employ air pressure to force the water out, should pumping operations ultimately fail. The Board of Admiralty are satisfied that every effort is being made by the Salvage Company, who, on their part, continue to entertain confident hopes of getting the ship safely into the dock at Ferrol.
§ SIR JOHN GORST (Cambridge University)Will the Papers relative to the stranding of the Howe be laid on the Table before the Naval Estimates come on?
SIR U. KAY-SHUTTLEWORTHThe House has ordered the printing of the Papers, which are very voluminous. A message has been sent to the printers to use all possible haste, but I am afraid the printing will take a considerable time.