§ MR. MACKARNESS (Berkshire, Newbury)I beg to ask the Prime Minister whether His Majesty's Government propose to take any steps to give public expression to the warm feeling of gratitude felt by the British people towards the Prince Consort of the Netherlands and the Dutch lifeboat men 1451 for their heroic and successful attempts to save the lives of the survivors from the wreck of the Berlin.
§ SIR H. CAMPBELL-BANNERMANPerhaps my best course will be to read to the House a telegram sent yesterday by the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs to the British Minister at the Hague "I request you to convey to H.R.H. the Prince Consort and to the Dutch lifeboat crews on behalf of His Majesty's Government our warm appreciation of their gallant and heroic conduct in rescuing the survivors of the shipwreck at the Hook of Holland and our deep gratitude for the splendid and effective help given to those in distress. You should supply me with a list of the lifeboat crews to whom we should like to give suitable rewards for their courageous service." I would add that His Majesty the King, with the keen appreciation which he always exhibits of gallant actions, especially in relief of distress, yesterday communicated to the Prince Consort of the Netherlands his desire to confer upon him the Grand Cross of the Bath, and his Royal Highness has accepted the Honour. I am sure that the House will be glad that such speedy recognition has been made of the conspicuous gallantry and devotion shown in the efforts to mitigate this deplorable catastrophe.
§ MR. JOYCE (Limerick)Don't forget Sperling.