§ MR. ASHLEY (Lancashire, Blackpool)I beg to ask the Prime Minister whether the Military authorities at Malta were asked to give evidence before the Committee appointed by the Secretary of State for War, in conjunction with the Admiralty, which visited the Mediterranean stations in 1906.
§ SIR. H CAMPBELL-BANNERMANI am informed that the views of the Military authorities at Malta were embodied in a Memorandum of the 29th October by a local Committee presided over by the General Officer Commanding in Chief. This Memorandum was fully considered in connection with the Report of General Owen's Committee. It is evident that the general policy in regard to fixed defences throughout the Empire can only be determined by His Majesty's Government.
In reply to a further question by Mr. Ashley,
SIR H.CAMPBELL-BANNERMAN saidThe Committee reported to the Government, who have their Memorandum before them.