§ SIR HERBERT MAXWELLasked the Secretary of State for War, What is the strength and components of the garrison at Suakin; and, whether it is true, as reported, that reinforcements of Marines have been despatched to that town?
THE MARQUESS OF HARTINGTONAs the defence of Suakin is at present intrusted to the Royal Marines, and to the Egyptian troops, this Question should more properly have been addressed to the Secretary to the Admiralty, or the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs. I am informed, however, that it is not considered desirable that the exact strength of the garrison should be stated; but there is a considerable force of Marines there and a battalion of the Egyptian Army. A reinforcement of 500 Marines is on its way, and it is also stated—I am not aware of the particulars—that another Egyptian battalion is about to be added to the strength of the garrison.