HC Deb 29 March 1900 vol 81 cc688-9
MR. LONSDALE (Armagh, Mid)

I beg to ask the First Lord of the Admiralty how many British warships are at present at Delagoa Bay, and the names of such vessels; and whether any attempt is being made to stop the landing of war material and men for the Boer army.

THE SECRETARY TO THE ADMIRALTY (Mr. MACARTNEY,) Antrim, S.

There are on the Cape Station some twenty cruisers and gunboats, omitting the "Powerful" and "Terrible," which have now left for their respective destinations, and an interchange of vessels between Delagoa Bay and Durban and the Cape ports is constantly taking place. The names of the ships at Delagoa Bay at the present time cannot be given without inquiry. They are at present there for the purpose of preventing the landing of contraband of war and men proved to be destined for the military service of the Boer Republics.

MR. LONSDALE

May I ask what power they have?

MR. MACARTNEY

I think the hon Gentleman had better give notice of that question.

MR. GIBSON BOWLES (Lynn Regis)

May I ask whether in future, when our cruisers capture vessels suspected of carrying contraband of war, the Admiralty will refrain from ordering their dismissal before they are searched?

MR. MACARTNEY

That, again, is a question of which I think my hon. friend had better give notice.