§ MR. BIGGARasked the First Lord of the Treasury, For information as to the number and names of war vessels, and the complement of men in the same, that are now stationed in waters under the Government of Turkey; if any, and what number of persons recently in the service of Her Majesty Queen Victoria have been transferred to the service of the late or present Sultan of the Turks; and, if any war stores of any kind so ever have been lent, bestowed, or sold by the servants of Her Majesty Queen Victoria to the late or present Sultan of the Turkish Empire?
§ MR. DISRAELII conclude that the hon. Gentleman does not mean to ask for information as to the number and names of the war vessels of all nations in Turkish waters, because the Question as expressed applies to the naval forces of all nations. It would not be in my power to give him that information, even if it were exactly proper that I should do so. But if his inquiry is limited to Her Majesty's Fleet at present in Turkish waters, it consists of 20 vessels—11 iron-clads and nine unarmoured ships of war. With regard to the second Question—whether any and what persons recently in the service of Her Majesty have been transferred to the service of the late or present Sultan—my answer is, none have. And with regard to the third Question, my answer is that 1961 no stores have been sold by Her Majesty's servants to the late or present Sultan.