§ 15. Sir W. BYLESasked the First Lord of the Admiralty if he will state how many merchant ships have now been supplied with guns for their defence against the attack of foreign vessels; how much farther the experiment is to be carried; and will he undertake to make widely known a list of these armed merchantmen, in order that the public may abstain from employing ships which involve danger of conflict with the armed vessels of a foreign Power?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLI do not wish to make any statement about this matter at the present time beyond saying that my hon. Friend is mistaken in supposing that these vessels are armed for offensive purposes. I am equally sure he is still more mistaken in supposing that the public will not support a measure necessary for their safety.
§ Sir W. BYLESIs that the way a peaceful feeling is being promoted amongst those who use the sea as a highway?
§ Mr. HUNTMay I inquire whether the public and their merchandise and the hon. Baronet himself would not be much safer in an armed ship than in an unarmed ship?