HC Deb 05 April 1878 vol 239 c666
MR. BATES

I beg to ask the First Lord of the Admiralty, If, in view of the complications arising in various parts, Her Majesty's Government are taking steps to strengthen the squadron in the North Pacific and in China?

MR. W. H. SMITH

Sir, the Admiralty are fully aware of the necessity of maintaining an adequate Force both in the Pacific and in the China waters. We believe that we have at the present moment a very efficient Fleet in those waters; but it has been contemplated for some time past to send the Triumph into the Pacific, and she will be brought into commission very shortly.