Longford to Under-Secretary of State

I am directed by the Secretary of State for War to acknowledge the
receipt of your letter of the 26th ultimo, with Enclosure, on the
 subject of Defences for Vancouvers Island.

In reply I am to acquaint you for the information of the Earl of
 Carnarvon that, in the absence of an intention to apply to
Parliament for funds for the construction of works for the Defences
of the Harbour of Esquimalt, the proposals of Admiral the Honourable
J. Denman on the subject have not been referred for the
consideration of the Defence Committee, nor has any Estimate of the
probable cost of the works been framed.

I am to add that the Army Estimates for the ensuing year will not
admit of any vote being taken for the Defence of Vancouvers Island.