§ MR. J. F. HOGAN (Tipperary, Mid)I beg to ask the Civil Lord of the Admiralty whether a considerable extension of the Naval Establishment at Hong-Kong is contemplated; and whether he is aware that a large quantity of valuable machinery, liable to much risk of damage from climatic causes, has been landed in an unprotected condition before the erection of the proposed new engine-shops has been commenced?
§ THE CIVIL LORD OF THE ADMIRALTY (Mr. AUSTEN CHAMBERLAIN, Worcestershire, E.)The answer to the first Question is yes, and to the second that consignments of machinery have been landed at Hong-Kong for use in case of emergency. The machinery can be erected in the open, but, if necessary, it will be protected by cheap temporary coverings until the new buildings are ready, as is usual in many private establishments in this country, so that no damage will result from climatic causes.