§ SIR HOWARD VINCENT (Sheffield, Central)I beg to ask the First Lord of the Admiralty if the swift armed cruisers, which have for many years received subsidies from the Government, have been employed in any way to convey reinforcements to South Africa; or if any are now available for the rapid transport of officers to fill the places of those who have fallen in the service of their country.
MR. GOSCHENThe steamers referred to are fitted and intended for use only as armed cruisers, and in the agreement with the Government no reference is made to their being taken up for use as transports. With reference to the second question, no difficulty would be found in providing for the rapid transport of any additional officers or men whom the military authorities might desire to send.