HC Deb 08 February 1884 vol 284 cc300-1
SIR JOHN HAY

asked the Secretary of State for War, Whether the only British force immediately available in support of Admiral Sir William Hewett and one hundred and forty Marines are the time-expired men and invalids now returning from India? The right hon. and gallant Baronet further asked, whether the time-expired men and invalids returning with, the Orontes were not without arms?

MR. CAMPBELL-BANNERMAN

Sir, this appears to be a Question concerning the administration of the Navy rather than of the Army. If, in speaking of time-expired men and invalids, the right hon. and gallant Member means to refer to the seamen and Marines on board the Orontes at Port Said, he is altogether wrong in so describing them. These men consist of the crews of ships paid off on the China Station, and of the London, paid off at Zanzibar. None that we know of are time-expired men; but there may, of course, be a few invalids among them. They number about 1,000. As I stated yesterday, we have been able easily and immediately to supply Sir William Hewett with all the increase of force he desired. This is quite irrespective of the 500 Marines, who, as hon. Members may have read in this morning's papers, are being sent from home to Malta, to reinforce the Mediterranean Squadron. As to the Question of the men in the Orontes having arms with them, I am unable to give a positive answer. It is not the usual practice, when a ship is relieved on a distant station, for the men going out or returning to have their arms with them. I believe, however, that it is not the invariable practice with respect to the Marines; but I may say with regard to this question of providing arms for these men, or for any of them that may be required, that there would be no difficulty in doing so from the arms at Alexandria, which can be sent forward in the Carysfort.

In reply to Mr. W. H. SMITH,

MR. CAMPBELL-BANNERMAN

said, that the Orontes was at Port Said before the Carysfort was ordered to leave Alexandria. The Carysfort was ordered to proceed, taking in her the men and arms.