§ MR. WATT (Glasgow, Camlachie)I beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for the Colonies whether any negotiations have taken place between Her Majesty's Government and the Government of South Australia with reference to Port Darwin being made a fortified station; and, if not, whether he can state if there is any prospect of this step being taken, as recommended by so many eminent authorities?
§ THE UNDER SECRETARY OF STATE FOB THE COLONIES (Baron H. de WORMS, Liverpool, East Toxteth)The question of the defence of Port Darwin has received full consideration, and it is not the opinion of the South Australian and Imperial Authorities that any fortifications should at the present time be constructed there.