§ *MR. CHARLES BILL (Staffordshire, Leek)I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether the post of Captain of the Port at Gibraltar was, during the year 1895, merged in the office of the Colonial Treasurer, who has no special knowledge of Naval matters; whether the Chamber of Commerce at Gibraltar has protested against the amalgamation of these two offices in the hands of a civilian; and whether, at a time when large harbour works are being constructed at Gibraltar, he will consider the desirability, especially in the interest of the mercantile community, of providing that the Colonial Officer who has to discharge the duties of Captain of the Port should be a Naval Officer with some experience connected with the Navy and Mercantile Marine?
§ THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR THE COLONIES (Mr. J. CHAMBERLAIN,) Birmingham, W.The answer to the hon. Member's first and second Questions is in the affirmative. I have at present 1717 no means of finding other employment for the Treasurer, but the matter will be borne in mind.