HC Deb 05 July 1881 vol 263 cc26-7
THE EARL OF BECTIVE

asked the Secretary to the Admiralty, If Her Majesty's Government, in consideration of the probability of the present serious insurrection caused by the French invasion spreading to the immediate neighbourhood of the city of Tunis, intend sending some ships of war to Goletta in place of those sent towards Tripoli in order to protect British subjects resident in Tunis and its neighbourhood?

MR. TREVELYAN

Sir, the Condor has been ordered back to Goletta. It is evident that the danger of which the noble Lord is apprehensive is not regarded as imminent, because the French have no ship at Tunis of a larger class than the Condor. The Fleet under Sir Beauchamp Seymour is cruising within four days' call, and, if further occasion arises, more iron-clads will be sent.