7 MARCH 1903, Page 2

Later Mr. Balfour, in answer to a question from Sir

John Colomb, stated that the Admiralty, in view of the growth of the Navy, had decided that it was necessary to form another naval establishment, and that the most advan- tageous position for it was the estuary of the Forth. A naval port and base would accordingly be established on the north side of the Forth at St. Margaret's Hope. The fact that they were in negotiation for the land required made it impossible for the Government to disclose the scheme earlier. The decision is one which we feel sure the country will regard with approval.