HC Deb 08 August 1889 vol 339 cc792-3
MR. T. W. RUSSELL (Tyrone, South)

I beg to ask the First Lord of the Admiralty if he can explain how it happened that no intimation of the postponement of the Naval Inspection was conveyed to the Commander of H.M.S. Seahorse, with the representatives of the Press on board, and that, in consequence, this ship was compelled to remain unnecessarily in the Solent for six hours during the stormy weather of Saturday last, and her passengers thereby subjected to great discomfort and inconvenience; also why it was that they were required to provide their own refreshments, while the visitors on board the troopships Serapis and Euphrates were provided with a free lunch; and whether it was with his sanction that the representatives of the Press were thus treated?

LORD G. HAMILTON

At the time the Seahorse, with the representatives of the Press on board, left Portsmouth it was not known that the inspection was postponed. For reasons already stated it was not considered advisable to provide refreshments gratuitously for other than, the Legislature and the Corps Diplomatique.

MR. RUSSELL

Were no other persons provided with free luncheons on board these ships?

LORD G. HAMILTON

There were, the friends of Members of Parliament.

MR. RUSSELL

They were not official persons, I presume? The question was not answered.