HC Deb 09 January 1894 vol 20 c1135
MR. GOURLEY (Sunderland)

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for War whether H.R.H. the Commander-in-Chief intends visiting Malta and Gibraltar officially; if so, will he arrange that, whilst there, he shall inquire into and make a Report regarding the defences of both places, for the guidance of the Government and Parliament?

THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR WAR (Mr. CAMPBELL - BANNERMAN,&c.) Stirling,

His Royal Highness has no intention to visit Malta. It is possible that he may pay a visit to Gibraltar in the course of the next few weeks, but there is no occasion for a special Report upon that fortress.

MR. GOURLEY

Am I to understand the Government are carefully watching the defences of Malta as well as Gibraltar?

MR. CAMPBELL-BANNERMAN

Yes.

MR. GOURLEY

was understood to say he put his question in consequence of a report in The New York Herald.

MR. CAMPBELL-BANNERMAN

I have no control over The New York Herald.