§ The MARQUESS of BREADALBANEunderstood from the Votes and Proceedings of the other House that the Militia Bill was soon likely to come before their Lordships. He wished to know from Her Majesty's Government whether they would be prepared to assist the House of Lords in their deliberations on this measure with the opinions of military and naval men? This was a question which, more than others, required such knowledge or such aid. The subject was the defences of the country, and the best means of improving them. Now, who could so well advise upon such matters as a man whose profession made him of necessity acquainted with them? How could a layman be expected to form a judgment upon them more than as to how to attack or to defend a citadel. He wanted to know whether the noble Earl (the Earl of Derby) would furnish the House with some professional data upon this most important question? The question he put to the Government was, whether they had taken the opinion of military and naval men on the subject of our national defences—and especially of the noble and gallant Duke the Comman- 1098 der of the Forces, than whom no one was better qualified to give an opinion on the subject; and, if so, whether they would lay those reports or opinions before the House?
§ The EARL of DERBYreplied, that it was the intention of the Government to proceed with the Militia Bill as quickly as possible. The Government had duly considered the whole of the case, and had consulted many authorities, especially the noble and gallant Duke at the head of Her Majesty's Forces. It was the intention of the Government to proceed with the Militia Bill at once; it was one of those questions which the Government deemed urgent, and wished to have passed during the present Session.
§ The MARQUESS of BREADALBANEasked if the noble Earl had any objection to lay before the House military and naval reports founded upon investigation of the subject? It appeared to him that this was strictly a professional and technical question, and that the legislation of the House ought to be founded upon these reports.
§ The EARL of DERBYI am not prepared to lay before the House any communications which Her Majesty's Government have received confidentially, respecting the military and naval defences of the country.