HC Deb 25 April 1898 vol 56 c962
MR. E. H. PICKERSGILL (Bethnal Green, S.W.)

I beg to ask the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he will send a British war ship to the Canary Islands to safeguard the British residents in Teneriffe and Grand Canary?

THE FIRST LORD OR THE ADMIRALTY

If the developments of the situation should render it necessary, a ship will be sent.

MR. W. F. LAWRENCE (Liverpool, Abercromby)

I beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is aware that at the town of Oratava, in the Canaries, there is a large British residential population, and a considerable amount of British commercial enterprise in great jeopardy in the event of war; and whether he can take any steps to safeguard the interests of Her Majesty's subjects in those parts?

THE FIRST LORD OF THE TREASURY (Mr. A. J. BALFOUR,) Manchester, E.

Her Majesty's Government are not aware that the British subjects and property at Oratava are in any special danger. In the event of such danger being reported by the Consul at Teneriffe, the matter will, of course, receive our earnest attention.

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