HC Deb 06 June 1882 vol 270 c224
MR. BOURKE

gave Notice of his intention on Thursday to ask the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, Whether he still adhered to the statement made by him on the 2nd of June that the earthworks in Alexandria Harbour were not yet armed in any way; and whether it was not the fact that, some time before the 2nd of June, there were in those earthworks three 18-ton guns and 20 34-pounders? He would put that Question on Thursday, if convenient to the hon. Baronet.

SIR CHARLES W. DILKE

Sir, I will answer that Question at once. The information received from Sir Beauchamp Seymour at the date on which I spoke did not mention any armament on the forts—only the day before he stated that they were not armed. After I made that answer we received information that they were being armed, and I informed the House of the fact.

MR. BOURKE

Then, is my information correct that, before the 2nd of June, the forts were armed?

SIR CHARLES W. DILKE

That Question I shall be glad to answer on Thursday. I can only say that we were not in possession of such information on the day I answered the Question. I will inquire in the meantime, and if we can get the information by Thursday I will then give the answer. I do not think we possess it at present. I do not think Sir Beauchamp Seymour stated on what day the guns were there.