§ MR. ANDERSONasked the First Lord of the Admiralty, If he has intelligence of H.M.S. "Rifleman" having captured slaves on board two British steamers in the Red Sea, called the "Koina" and the "Rokeby;" what are the circumstances under which it happened; and, whether any or what punishment can be awarded to captains or owners of ships so sullying the British Flag?
§ MR. A. F. EGERTONIn answer to the hon. Gentleman, I beg to inform him that on the 13th of March Commander Clayton, of Her Majesty's ship Rifleman, searched the British steamer Rokeby, and found eight slaves on board, who were handed over to the resident police. The same officer subsequently searched the British steamer Koina, and 12 slaves who were on board were released. In neither case did Commander Clayton find sufficient evidence to bring the ships into the Consular Court, or to prosecute the owners or commanders. The Reports which have reached the Admiralty on these occurrences have been forwarded to the Foreign Office, and will be laid upon the Table of the House by that Department. The question as to what punishment can be awarded to captains and owners of British ships so sullying the British flag should, I think, be addressed to the Law Officers of the Crown.