HC Deb 19 March 1900 vol 80 cc1181-2
*MR. JOSEPH WALTON

I beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether pirates have attacked with firearms the steam cutter of Her Majesty's ship "Tweed" on the West River, and whether the "Tweed," only steaming two knots against the current, is suitable for the work in which she is engaged; and, if not, whether this gunboat will be replaced by one better adapted to carry out an effective patrol; and whether the commanders of Her Majesty's gunboats stationed on the West River have now been authorised to take whatever steps may be necessary to repress piracy in that district.

*MR. BRODRICK

On the 6th January the steam cutter of Her Majesty's ship "Tweed" chased a Chinese launch, which had been seized by pirates, up one of the creeks of the West River, and after an exchange of shots succeeded in rescuing the launch. Two British vessels of higher speed than the "Tweed," one being a torpedo boat, are engaged in the West River. The Commander-in-Chief on the China station is taking steps for the repression of piracy, and in co-operation with the new Viceroy, Li-Hung-Chang.

*MR. JOSEPH WALTON

I beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is aware that British owned cargo steamers will be placed on the Upper Yangtsze next month, and whether the gunboats sent to patrol that portion of the river are unsuitable for the purpose both as regards steaming power and construction, and, if so, whether he will state to the House what steps Her Majesty's Government propose to take in fulfilment of their pledge to provide for the protection of British trade.

*MR. BRODRICK

We have heard that one British steamer will be placed on the Upper Yangtzse in April or May next. It is not the fact that the gunboats placed on the river have been found unsuitable. An attempt is to be made next month by two of them to make the passage of the rapids between I chang and Chungking, and the experience then gained will doubtless prove of much value in deciding on the best class of vessels for the navigation of the river.