HC Deb 11 July 1878 vol 241 cc1242-3
MAJOR NOLAN

asked Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer, If he can state what will be the number of the troops employed in the occupation of Cyprus; and, whether native Indian troops will be used for this purpose?

COLONEL STANLEY

Perhaps, Sir, the hon. and gallant Gentleman will allow me to answer that Question. The number of troops to be employed will be, in round numbers, about 10,000, and the Force will consist of the Indian troops now at Malta, and three battalions of British Infantry.

MR. B. SAMUELSON

asked Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer, Whether he is aware that the steamships calling at Cyprus are frequently unable to land their passengers in consequence of the exposed position of the roadsteads in that island; whether any estimates have been prepared of the approximate cost of erecting such works as will be required in order to enable troops to be landed and embarked there at all times; whether he is aware that during several seasons since 1870 there has been a total failure of the grain crops in Cyprus, owing to the entire absence of rain in successive years, and that not only were the revenues greatly reduced during those years, but that the Porte had to incur great expense in feeding the people of the island; and, whether he can state approximately what will be the cost of providing barrack accommodation for the troops which it is proposed to quarter in Cyprus?

THE CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUER

The Questions put by the hon. Gentleman extend over a considerable range of subjects as to which we have more or less information, but in reference to which we are at the present moment receiving further information. I think, therefore, it would be more convenient that I should not just now attempt to give an answer to those Questions.

SIR ALEXANDER GORDON

asked the Secretary to the Admiralty, If he will place in the Library, for the use of Members, an Admiralty Chart showing the harbours on the coast of the Island of Cyprus?

MR. A. F. EGERTON

I have to inform the hon. and gallant Member and the House generally that this morning a chart of the Island of Cyprus on a sufficiently large scale was sent down, and that, with your permission, Sir, it has been hung in the news-room.

SIR JULIAN GOLDSMID

Will the hon. Gentleman say, Whether there is any harbour at all in the Island?

MR. A. F. EGERTON

Technically speaking, there is no harbour; but there are three very fair anchorages, from which it is usually easy to land on the Island.