§ Sir FREDERICK BANBURY (for Lord Charles Beresford)asked if there was a Committee on the question of the rank and status of the engineer officers of His Majesty's Fleet; and, if so, whether he can now state to the House the finding of that Committee?
§ Mr. McKENNAI must refer the Noble and Gallant Lord to the reply given to a similar question from him on 30th March last.
§ Sir F. BANBURYMay I ask whether the interval between the 3rd of March last and now has not been sufficiently long to-enable the right hon. Gentleman to reply?
§ Mr. McKENNANo, Sir, the Committee to which the Noble Lord referred sat some years ago. Its proceedings were confidential, and remain confidential to-the present time.
§ Sir F. BANBURYDoes that mean that the proceedings will not be published?
§ Mr. McKENNAYes, Sir, they will not be published.
§ Sir F. BANBURYWhy did the right hon. Gentleman not say so before?
§ Mr. McKENNAI did say so before.