§ Mr. GIBSON BOWLESasked the President of the Board of Trade if he has received the memorial from thirty-one firms of shipowners, representing 3,000,000 tons of shipping, urging the great importance to the shipping trade of a coal hulk, fitted with modern appliances, being allowed to be stationed in Portland Harbour; and in view of the importance of this matter to the merchant shipping of the country, has he used or will he use his influence with the Board of Admiralty to induce them to allow in future the presence at Portland of coal hulks so fitted?
Mr. BUXTONI have received the memorial in question, and I have communicated to the Admiralty the desire expressed by the signatories for the coal hulk "Persia" to be allowed to be stationed in Portland Harbour.
§ Mr. GIBSON BOWLESHas the right hon. Gentleman made any reply to that memorial, and, if so, will he let me have a copy?