§ CAPTAIN COLOMB (Tower Hamlets, Bow, &c.)asked, Whether the late Government, responsible for the occupation of Port Hamilton, acted upon Naval advice; and, if so, what has been the expenditure from Imperial funds incurred from the date of occupation down to the present time at Port Hamilton?
§ THE FIRST LORD OF THE ADMIRALTY (Lord GEORGE HAMILTON) (Middlesex, Ealing)The best way in which I can answer the Question will 555 be by stating the circumstances under which Port Hamilton was originally occupied, and also the circumstances under which the subsequent Government ordered its evacuation. Port Hamilton was occupied in May, 1885, by an Order sent from the Admiralty to Sir William Dowell, who was then Commander-in-Chief on the China Station. Before effect could be given to that occupation a change of Government took place, and shortly afterwards a Report arrived from Sir William Dowell, who had had considerable experience in that quarter of the world, pointing out the unsuitability of the place for the purposes for which it was occupied, and recommending its abandonment. I was then at the Admiralty, and I found that the views of the Naval Lords at the new Board entirely coincided with those of Sir William Dowell. I also consulted Sir George Willes, who has been Commander-in-Chief on the China Station, and he strongly adhered to the opinion of that officer. Sir William Dowell was relieved in September, 1885, by Admiral Hamilton; and before he hoisted his flag I gave him special instructions to fully report upon the whole matter. He had made a series of Reports, which will be presented to the House. The purport of these Reports is that the occupation of Port Hamilton in time of peace entails unnecessary expense, and in time of war would not be a source of strength, but of weakness, to the Navy. The main cost of occupation has been the laying down of a cable between Port Hamilton and Shanghai, and a certain sum has been spent in building huts for stores and Marines. The total direct expenditure has not yet been brought to account; I cannot, therefore, state the approximate amount.