§ MR. MACLEANI beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for War if any plans have yet been prepared for the defence of Cardiff, which is the chief port of supply for the coal used in the Navy, but which now lies open and unprotected against the raids of hostile cruisers and torpedo boats; and, if so, whether any sum is included in the Estimates for carrying out such plans.
§ MR. BRODRICKPlans for the de fence of Cardiff have been prepared; but at present all funds available for fortifications are required for the more urgent defences of naval bases and military ports. On the other hand, it is not the case that the port of Cardiff lies open and unprotected. It is covered by the batteries which protect the British Channel and by mine fields.