§ LORD CHARLES BERESFORD (Marylebone, E.), asked the Secretary of State for War, Whether he can inform the House of the probable date when the defences of the Cape of Good Hope will be complete in all details—namely, forts finished, guns, ammunition, and stores delivered?
§ THE SECRETARY OF STATE (Mr. E. STANHOPE) (Lincolnshire, Horncastle)As my noble and gallant Friend is aware, the defence of Table Bay has been undertaken in consequence of an agreement entered into between Sir Thomas Upington, on the part of the Cape Government and myself last year. Under that agreement the unskilled labour is being provided by the Cape Government; and I am unable to say exactly when the works there will be completed, though they will be pushed on, so far as we are concerned, as quickly as possible. The works at Simon's Bay, which have been undertaken by the Imperial Government, are almost complete. The armament is in a forward state. With the exception of two 9.2-inch guns, all the remaining guns proposed are either ready or are provided for in this year's Estimates, and should be completed within the year. All guns will be sent out with ammunition.