§ MR. HANBURYasked the First Lord of the Admiralty, What was the number and nature of the vessels actually employed last year in suppressing the Slave Trade upon the East Coast of Africa; and, what is the number and nature of the vessels this year employed in the same service?
§ MR. HUNT, in reply, said, that the number varied very much, but at the beginning of the year there were five ships, and at the end seven. Of these, the London, depôt ship, was specially furnished with boats in order to assist in the suppression of the traffic; the flag ship Glasgow had also visited the East Coast during the latter part of the year; there were two surveying 504 ships employed on this service, so far as compatible with their other duties, one of which, the Shearwater, was ordered home; but another vessel would be sent to replace her. No alteration had been made this year, but an additional vessel would be sent in the course of the summer to strengthen the squadron.