§ MR. LAWRENCE (Liverpool, Abercromby)I beg to ask the Secretary of 406 State for the Colonies whether it is decided that all white infantry are to be removed from the West Indies, Demerara, and Honduras; and, if so, by what date; where in future will artillery be stationed, and in what numbers; what naval force is contemplated to be permanently stationed in the district, and what probable lauding force a cruiser or gunboat could respectively supply; whether any direct telegraph communication connects the chief islands with Demerara and Honduras; and whether His Majesty's Government are proposing to improve or add to the present system.
§ THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR THE COLONIES (Mr. LYTTELTON,) Warwick and LeamingtonIt has been decided to withdraw all the white infantry from the West Indian Islands, but the date has not yet been settled. No white infantry has been stationed in British Guiana or British Honduras for many years past. It has not yet been finally decided what artillery will be retained or where it will be stationed. Adequate naval force will be stationed in the district. It is not desirable in the public interest to give further details. There is telegraph communication between the islands and British Guiana. There is no telegraph communication between them and British Honduras. The subject of West Indian telegraphs has recently engaged the attention of His Majesty's Government, but it is not proposed to incur any Imperial expenditure on this account at the present time.