HC Deb 10 November 1902 vol 114 cc457-8
COLONEL DENNY (Kilmarnock Burghs)

I wish to ask the Under Secretary for Foreign Affairs whether he is aware that 700 men of the King's British Central African Rifles were conveyed to Berbera in the subsidised German mail steamer "Bundesrath," and whether there was no available English vessel to transport British troops.

THE UNDER SECRETARY OF STATE FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS (Lord CRANBORNE, Rochester)

The answer to the question is Yes. The reinforcements from British Central Africa for Somaliland were conveyed by the first available steamer suitable for the purpose. This was the "Bundesrath." The hon. and gallant Gentleman is a member of the Select Committee on the shipping subsidies, and perhaps he is better able than myself to know the circumstances relating to shipping accommodation under the British flag on the East Coast of Africa. I believe the Report of the Committee is shortly expected, and the Government await it with interest. I presume the hon. Gentleman will not expect me to make further inquiries in view of this Report?

MR. GIBSON BOWLES (Lynn Regis)

Can the noble Lord tell the House whether the "Bundesrath" is the same vessel as that captured for carrying contraband of war to the Boers and released without search or trial by the order of the First Lord of the Admiralty.

[No answer was given.]