§ MR. JOICEY (Durham, Chester-le-Street)asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies, If he can give any information as to the recent disaster to the Pearl Fishing Fleet on the North West Coast of Australia, and state the number of British lives lost; and whether, considering the number of British sailors employed in the fleet whoso families are anxious about them, he will endeavour to ascertain and publish the names of those whose lives have been lost by the disaster?
§ THE SECRETARY OF STATE (Sir HENRY HOLLAND) (Hampstead)I have not yet received any details with regard to this disaster; but it appears from telegrams that some of the boats supposed to have been lost have escaped. The pearling vessels are, for the most part, manned by Natives, and it is hoped that there wore very few White men lost. The Governor will be desired, by telegraph, to give the names as far as known.