HC Deb 10 February 1902 vol 102 cc853-4
MR. DALZIEL (Kirkcaldy Burghs)

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for War whether any decision has been arrived at by the Government in favour of with drawing the troops at present stationed at Wei Hai-Wei; can he state the number of troops at present stationed at that port; and is it intended to proceed with the proposed fortifications.

MR. BRODRICK

It has been decided to withdraw the troops at present stationed at Wei-Hai-Wei and not to proceed further with the fortifications. The troops at present stationed at Wei-Hai- Wei consist of the Chinese Regiment and a detachment of Royal Engineers, in all about 1,100.

MR. DALZIEL

Has any date been fixed for the withdrawal, and is Wei-Hai-Wei to be retained as a commercial port?

[No answer was returned.]

MR. M'KENNA

I beg to ask Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether he can state the total expenditure incurred in respect of the lease and occupation of Wei-Hai-Wei.

* THE CHANCELLOR OF THE EX, CHEQUER (Sir M. HICKS BEACH-) Bristol, W.

I cannot give final figures, but the approximate expenditure to the end of the present financial year is estimated to be as follows:

  1. 1. Capital Expenditure £71,454, by the War Office, and £44,334 by the Admiralty, making together £115,788.
  2. 2. The Total of the Annual Military Ex. penditure has amounted to £142,000 spread over three years.
  3. 3. The Grant in aid for the current year on the Colonial Office Vote for Civil Expenditure is £11,250.