HC Deb 14 April 1891 vol 352 cc477-8
MR. DUNCAN (Barrow-in-Purness)

I beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether Her Majesty's Government have taken steps to prevent the engagement of British subjects to serve as officers or crews on the vessels of war now being built and equipped in Prance to the order of the Government of Chili, one of which is reported to be on the point of departure from Havre; and whether it is true, as reported, that the French Government have prohibited the service of French subjects on these vessels?

THE UNDER SECRETARY OF STATE FOB FOREIGN AFFAIRS(Sir J. FER-GUSSON, Manchester, N.E.)

No steps have been taken of the nature indicated in the first paragraph of the question. It has not as yet been considered necessary to apply the provisions of the-Foreign Enlistment Act under existing circumstances in Chili. No official information has been received to the effect stated in the last paragraph.