§ COLONEL J. M. DENNY (Kilmarnock Burghs)I beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for War, in reference to the defences of the River Clyde, whether any action has ever been taken based on the Report by Admiral Sir Vesey Hamilton and General Sir Lothian Nicholson in 1888; and, if not, will he state the reason why?
THE UNDER SECRETARY OF STATE FOR WAR (Mr. W. ST. JOHN BRODRICK,) Surrey, GuildfordThe Report referred to was fully considered, and a scheme for the defence of the Clyde was approved. Up to this time, however, such exorbitant prices have been asked for the sites required, that it has not been possible to make satisfactory progress. The establishment of the necessary minefield, with the supporting batteries has been completed.