HC Deb 24 May 1909 vol 5 cc812-3
Major ANSTRUTHER-GRAY

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he can assure the House that the guns at St. Helena are in a serviceable condition; whether the official who looks after them is duly qualified; when they were last inspected by an artillery officer; and what is the date of his last report?

Mr. HALDANE

The latest report states that the guns left in St. Helena were in excellent condition on the 1st November last. The official who looks after them, a retired officer of the Royal Engineers, is fully qualified. I have called ler information as regards the latest inspection by an Artillery officer.

Major ANSTRUTHER-GRAY

Can the right hon. Gentleman tell me if the official in question is His Excellency the Governor?

Mr. HALDANE

I have said the official who looks after the guns is a retired officer of the Royal Engineers and he is fully qualified.

Major ANSTRUTHER-GRAY

Is it His Excellency the Governor who answers that description?

Mr. HALDANE

I do not know whether it is the Governor or not.