§ MR. DALZIEL (Kirkcaldy Burghs)To ask the Secretary to the Admiralty what is the constitution of the Court that is to inquire into the conduct of Lieutenant Collard in connection with the recent order to stokers at Portsmouth; when will it begin its inquiry; and will the proceedings be of a public character.
(Answered by Mr. Edmund Robertson.) Lieutenant Collard's action on 4th 36 November was within the scope of the first Court of Inquiry held to investigate the occurrences on that date. A second Court of Inquiry, composed of two post captains, has already examined and reported on the allegation against Lieutenant Collard in respect of 24th November, 1905. In accordance with the invariable custom of the service the proceedings at the Court of Inquiry are confidential.