The DUKE of WELLINGTONsaid: My Lords, in consequence of what passed in the debate on the second reading of the Militia Bill, I have felt it my duty to inquire into the state of discipline of the body of men who were embarked for the Cape in Her Majesty's steam ship, the Birkenhead. As detailed reports have been received, and as all are interested in ascertaining the truth of those reports which have been made relative to the matter in question, and as to the state of discipline of the regiment on board that steam ship, it is my duty to move that the reports received be laid upon your Lordships' table. I have, therefore, to move—
That an humble Address be presented to Her Majesty for a Copy of the Order given on the 18th of December last to the several depots of Regiments that sent men to the Regiments at the Cape of which such depots formed part, which men embarked in Her Majesty's late ship Birkenhead; also for a Copy of the Order of the 16th of June requiring the Commanding Officers of the several dep6ts to report whether the men embarked in the Birkenhead were instructed in firing with ball cartridge; and also for Copies of the Reports received from the several depots in consequence.
§ Motion agreed to.