§ MR. R. A. YERBURGH (Chester)I beg to ask the Secretary to the Admiralty what is the number of cruisers now employed in patrolling the East African coast for the suppression of the slave trade; what is the cost per annum of maintaining this squadron; and what is the average amount per annum paid it in bounties?
§ THE CIVIL LORD OF THE ADMIRALTY (Mr. EDMUND ROBERTSON,) DundeeAt present there are three ships employed on the East African Coast, but the suppression of the slave trade is merely part of their duties, and probably as many would be employed if there were no slave trade. The cost of the ships cannot be stated without much time and labour. The average annual amount paid in bounties during the last six years was £3,604.
§ SIR G. BADEN-POWELLasked whether the hon. Member could give any figures as to the number of boats attached to these ships now employed that would not otherwise be employed?
§ MR. ROBERTSONI have no figures to show that.