§ *Sir J. COLOMB (Great Yarmouth)I beg to ask the First Lord of the Admiralty if he can state the strength and composition of the Colonial and Naval force despatched to China by the Australian colonies; whether the officers and men of this force will form part of the navy on the China station and be under the Admiral; whether they will be available for service afloat and ashore as he may determine; and under what Discipline Act will this force serve; and whether the cost of this colonial naval force will be borne by the Imperial or the Colonial Exchequer; and, if by the Imperial Exchequer, whether it will be a naval charge.
§ THE FIRST LORD OF THE ADMIRALTY (Mr. GOSCHEN, St. George's,) Hanover SquareThe Colonial and Naval force about to be despatched to China by the Australasian colonies consists of 200 officers and men from Victoria, 300 officers and men from New South Wales, and the "Protector" gunboat with a crew of 112 officers and men from South Australia. This force will be under the Naval Discipline Act, and available for service afloat or ashore as the admiral may determine. The cost of the Colonial force will be partly borne by the Imperial and partly by the Colonial Exchequers.
§ Mr. GOSCHENThey are to be sent out by transport, and will be available wherever wanted.