HC Deb 13 March 1879 vol 244 cc821-2
MR. GOURLEY

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty, If it be correct, as reported in a telegram to the "Stan- dard" from St. Vincent, dated Tuesday last, that the transports "Russia," "England," "France," "Egypt," and "Spain," have been prevented from proceeding on their voyage to the Cape in consequence of the want of proper facilities for coaling, and why, seeing the emergency of the employment, the vessels were not coaled for the Cape direct?

MR. A. F. EGERTON

I am sorry to have to inform the hon. Member that it is true, as stated, that these five steamers, the Russia, England, France, Egypt, and Spain, have been detained for several days at St. Vincent; but we have not been informed whether that was through stress of weather or from want of facilities for coaling. It appears, however, that the whole of the coaling facilities at St. Vincent have been placed at the disposal of the Admiralty. It is understood that more than 1,000 tons of coal a-day can be shipped each day; but that quantity, it seems, has not been sufficient. It would have been impossible for steamers to have taken on board sufficient coal for the voyage, between decks being filled with stores, camp equipage, &c., and also in consequence of its being necessary to take a quantity of ballast. The transport officers considered that question, and considered it absolutely necessary that these vessels should call at St. Vincent.

MR. GOURLEY

Has the Secretary to the Admiralty any information as to when the transports are likely to be able to leave St. Vincent? Will he also give instructions that steamships engaged to carry coal to the Cape shall call at St. Vincent on the way out?

MR. A. F. EGERTON

All the information that we have is that the Russia arrived on the 6th at St. Vincent and left on the 12th—a long time to be delayed—and that the England, arrived on the 7th and sailed on the 12th. As to the other vessels, which arrived on the 7th and 8th, we have no further information.

MR. GOURLEY

The hon. Gentleman has not answered the latter part of my Question—whether coal transports bound for the Cape will be instructed to call at St. Vincent to supply the transports?

MR. A. F. EGERTON

I cannot answer that Question. Perhaps the hon. Gentleman will repeat it to-morrow.