§ CAPTAIN DONELANI beg to ask the Civil Lord of the Admiralty, (1) whether he is aware that H.M.S. Jason grounded last week on a mudbank near the entrance to the basin at Haulbowline while in the act of taking up her station in Cork harbour; (2) if he can say why the dredging operations at Haulbowline have not yet been commenced; and (3) whether, in case the total amount voted for this purpose is not expended during the present financial year, the balance will be included in the forthcoming Naval Estimates?
§ THE CIVIL LORD OF THE ADMIRALTY (Mr. AUSTEN CHAMBERLAIN) Worcestershire, E.I am informed that the report that the Jason grounded off the entrance to Haulbowline is incorrect. In reply to the latter part of the hon. and gallant Member's question, I have to say that the dredging was 700 commenced on the 17th instant. Provision will be made in the Naval Works Bill 1896–97 for completing the work.
§ CAPTAIN DONELANasked if he was to understand from the reply of the hon. Gentleman that the dredging operations when commenced would be continued uninterruptedly until completed?
§ MR. AUSTEN CHAMBERLAINYes, Sir, that is the intention.