§ MR. JOSEPH WALTON (Yorkshire, W.R., Barnsley)I beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the experiences of the gunboats "Woodcock" and "Woodlark," in their recent journey from Ichang-fu to Chung-King-fu, have shown that they are unsuitable in construction and steaming power for carrying on a continuous and 408 effective patrol of the Yang-tsze-Kiang between these places; and, if so, whether her Majesty's Government will replace them by gunboats better adapted for the purpose.
§ * MR. BRODRICKA telegram has been received from the Commander-in-Chief on the China station, announcing the arrival of the "Woodcock" and "Woodlark" at Chung-king, and stating that the former would proceed to examine the river above Chung-king; but some time must necessarily elapse before a report can be received on the subject.