MR. GIBSON BOWLESI beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether Her Majesty's Government have now received the reports of the officers sent to Wei-Hai-Wei to make surveys and to obtain information, and whether he is now able to give any information as to the plans of Her Majesty's Government with regard to that port, and especially as to whether they propose to fortify and garrison it; and whether Her Majesty's Government propose to communicate to this House, before carrying them into effect, any plans they may finally form for dealing with Wei-Hai-Wei?
§ THE FIRST LORD OF THE ADMIRALTYYes, the reports have been received. The question of the defences of the Island and the necessary garrison to man them is far advanced, and practically ripe for decision. Financial authority will have to be obtained in one form or another for any necessary expense, so that the proposals of the Government must necessarily come before the House of Commons. Certain provisions, on a moderate scale, with regard to Wei-Hai-Wei, will be included in the Navy Estimates.
MR. GIBSON BOWLESDo I understand the right honourable Gentleman to say the Government have decided to fortify and garrison Wei-Hai-Wei?
§ THE FIRST LORD OF THE ADMIRALTYI have stated that the question of defences is far advanced and practically ripe for decision.