§ MR. MITCHELL-THOMSON (Lanarkshire, N.W.)I beg to ask the Undersecretary of State for the Colonies whether he can give information as to the nature and extent of the riots in Castries, St. Lucia; whether one of the Royal Mail Steam Packet Company's vessels has been sent from Barbados with a detachment of Volunteers; whether any of His Majesty's warships have been ordered to proceed to Castries; and what steps are being taken to restore order.
§ MR. LONSDALE (Armagh, Mid.)At the same time may I ask the Undersecretary of State for the Colonies whether he is able to give the House any information respecting the recent riots at St. Lucia and the present state of affairs in the island.
§ MR. CHURCHILLI will supplement the information as to the disturbances in St. Lucia which has already appeared in the Press by reading two telegrams from the Governor of the Windward Islands which were received the first on Saturday afternoon and the second yesterday afternoon:—
One hundred armed police under command of Inspector-General of Police arrived from Barbados, twenty-eight from St. Vincent. I rode to Dennery factory this morning, buildings undamaged, large amount of stock killed, some canes burnt down. Hearing that large body of looters were at village three miles distant, I galloped immediately with private secretary, and arrived in time for prevention of further disturbances. Armed 529 police arrived and arrested several prisoners. Leaving detachment, main body inarched to factory with me, no firing, no lives lost.27th April. Situation improved, but Dennery factory and district greatly disturbed. I returned to-day, leaving Inspector-General of Police and ninety Barbados armed police in district. Have despatched St. Vincent armed police under special service officer to protect Roseau factory. Must keep Barbados armed police until arrival of 'Indefatigable.' No further assistance required.The Governor has been asked to report fully as to the causes and particulars of the riots as soon as the crisis is over.
§ VISCOUNT TURNOUR (Sussex, Horsham)Can the right hon. Gentleman say when this warship is likely to arrive?
§ MR. CHURCHILLI should say it will arrive to-morrow or the day after—I should think not later than the day after to-morrow.