SHAW-LEFEVRE (Bradford, Central)I beg to ask the First Lord of the Admiralty what is the total cost of maintaining Ascension as a Naval Station; what is the value of stores there; and, in what way and at what cost communications are kept up with the Island?
§ * THE FIRST LORD OF THE ADMIRALTY (Lord G. HAMILTON,) Middlesex, EalingThe charge to Naval Votes for full pay and wages in maintaining the Island of Ascension is approximately £8,000. The value of stores cannot be estimated at such short notice, reference to another Department being necessary. Communications with the Island are made by Her Majesty's ships and by a monthly 315 service of steamers running to the Cape of Good Hope. There is no special charge to Naval Votes for this service, the freight and passages being paid for as incurred.