§ MR. A. C MORTON (Peterborough)I beg to ask the Civil Lord of the Admiralty whether he can give the House any information as to the steam launch said to have been given to the Duke of Connaught for his use while Commander of the Army Corps at Portsmouth; whether be can say by what authority such launch was given; whether the authority of Parliament was ever asked or obtained for the expenditure of public money for that purpose; and whether a steam launch is required to carry out the public duties of a Commander of the land forces at Portsmouth?
§ *MR. CAMPBELL-BANNERMANPerhaps I may be allowed to answer this question. A steam launch has been supplied for the use of the General Officer commanding the Southern District, in order to enable him to visit the numerous forts and posts in his command without delay or difficulty. The necessity for its provision as essential for the efficient performance of the General's public duties had been recognised before the Duke of Connaught was appointed to the command. This launch was provided from funds included in the Army Estimates in the usual way.