§ MR. LAURENCE HARDY (Kent, Ashford)I beg to ask the Secretary of State for War whether he can state exactly the composition of the staff which is temporarily detained at St. Helena in order to look after the guns, roads, barracks and fortifications; whether this temporary arrangement, which has lasted since October last, is to continue much longer; and whether he can now state what garrison is to be left on the island to maintain the guns, fortifications, barracks, roads and telephones in a proper and efficient state of repair.
§ MAJOR ANSTRUTHER-GRAY (St. Andrews Burghs)At the same time may I ask the Secretary of State for War of how many persons does the staff now in charge of the guns, barracks and fortifications at St. Helena consist.
§ MR. HALDANEThe staff at present detained at St. Helena consists of one Royal engineer officer and one foreman of works. These will shortly be replaced by an agent who will take charge of all War Department property in the island and employ any necessary caretaker. No garrison will be maintained in the island during peace.