§ * SIR CHARLES DILKE (Gloucestershire, Forest of Dean)I beg to ask the Secretary of State for War whether the Imperial coaling station of Thursday Island is inspected by or under the orders of Major-General Sir Edward Hutton, commanding the Federal Forces of Australia; and, if so, whether he has received any official reports showing that the garrison has been brought up to establishment strength.
§ THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY TO THE WAR OFFICE (Lord STANLEY,) Lancashire, WesthoughtonThe Commonwealth of Australia is responsible for the provision of the personnel of the garrison of Thursday Island, and any reports by the General Officer Commanding concerned would be addressed to the Commonwealth Government. The latest returns which have been forwarded on for the information of the War Office do not show any reduction in the personnel of the garrison.