§ VISCOUNT SIDMOUTH, in rising to ask for information as to the proposed dock at Gibraltar, said: My Lords, before the close of the Session, I wish to ask Her Majesty's Government the question which stands in my name with reference 77 to the proposed dock at Gibraltar. In April last Lord Elphinstone informed the House that the Admiralty were taking the matter in hand, and that they were extremely anxious that the dock should be commenced as soon as possible. As, however, I have been informed that nothing has been done, and seeing that the Session is nearly at an end, I should like to hear definitely from a Member of the Government whether anything has been done in the matter or not.
§ EARL BROWNLOWIn answer to the question of the noble Viscount, I have to state that up to the present time no final decision has been arrived at as to the manner in which the construction of the proposed dock at Gibraltar will be carried out. I believe it was stated by Lord Elphinstone on the 24th April, in reply to the noble Viscount, that difficulties had arisen in carrying out the original proposals, and I am informed that since that time the whole matter has been under the consideration of a Departmental Committee. I am further informed that the Committee have now completed their work; but though the inquiry has been concluded, up to the present they have not reported to the Admiralty.