§ MR. HANBURYasked the First Lord of the Treasury, What is the present strength of the squadron engaged 1521 in attempting to repress the East African slave trade; what additions have been made to that squadron since the Report of the Select Committee of 1871; and, what further additions to it Her Majesty's Government propose to make?
§ MR. HUNTSir, the ships employed in the repression of the East African slave trade form part of the East Indian squadron. The ships detailed especially for that service are the Thetis, the Vulture (on the East Coast of Africa), the Nassau and the Daphne (on the Coast of Arabia), and the Shearwater; but the Daphne is at present under repair, and the Shearwater is temporarily detached for service with the Transit of Venus Expedition. The London has been specially fitted out as a depôt ship for Zanzibar, and sailed a few clays ago. The Flying Fish has just been commissioned, and will shortly sail for the same place. It is the intention of the Admiralty to commission the Egeria next month for the same service.