§ VISCOUNT SIDMOUTHasked the First Lord of the Admiralty, Whether he will lay on the Table the official report relative to the late fire on board H. M. S "Inconstant," at the Capo of Good Hope?
§ THE EARL OF NORTHBROOK,in reply, said, that no serious damage had been done to the Inconstant by the fire. He was glad to have the opportunity of stating that the conduct of the ship's company on the occasion was excellent. A Court of Inquiry as to the causes of the fire was held, under the presidency of the Admiral in command of the Fleet on the station, and the Report of it had been received. The Court was unable to come to any conclusion as to the cause of the fire. It was contrary to the invariable custom of the Admiralty to make public the Reports of Courts of Inquiry; but he would be most happy to let the noble Viscount see the Papers, if he desired to do so.