HC Deb 20 April 1911 vol 24 cc1034-5
Mr. HOUSTON

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he is aware of the critical state of affairs in Lourenzo Marques, Delagoa Bay, South-East Africa, and the prejudice and danger occasioned thereby to British subjects and British vessels; will he explain why a British man-of-war has not been sent to Delagoa Bay to protect British interests; whether this is due to the inefficient condition of the vessels forming the Cape Squadron; whether there is a German cruiser or man-of-war at Delagoa Bay or in the neighbourhood; and whether, in the absence of any British man-of-war, a German warship, if present, will afford protection to British subjects?

The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the ADMIRALTY (Dr. Macnamara)

In consequence of reports received from Lourenzo Marques of possible disorders which might involve prejudice to British subjects, orders have been given for the Commander-in-Chief in H.M.S. "Hermes" to proceed there, and he will arrive on the 23rd April. H.M.S. "Hermes" has just completed a refit, and is efficient. No German man-of-war is at Delagoa Bay, though the "Seeadler" is going to Durban to be in readiness for the protection of German subjects.

Mr. HOUSTON

Can the hon. Gentleman say whether the Admiralty will take steps to prevent the recurrence of the very unfortunate circumstance which occurred at Zanzibar, Jamaica, and St. Lucia, where British subjects and British interests had to seek protection and assistance from foreign men-of-war?

Mr. SPEAKER

That is a long way from Lourenzo Marques.

Captain FABER

asked if the right hon. Gentleman will state why the orders for the departure of His Majesty's cruiser "Forte" to Delagoa Bay was cancelled?

Dr. MACNAMARA

The reason was that the Admiral wished to go in his own flagship, and the "Forte's" refit was arranged to take place as soon as that of the "Hermes" was completed.

Captain FABER

Is it not a fact that the "Forte" was under repair at the time?

Dr. MACNAMARA

The "Hermes" was under repair. I may say that the "Forte" was kept at Durban up to the 25th March ready to proceed to Lourenzo Marques.

Captain FABER

Are we to understand that the Admiralty had no vessel which they could send up to Lourenzo Marques?

Dr. MACNAMARA

I have already stated that the "Forte" was kept at Durban ready to proceed to Lourenzo Marques.

Major ANSTRUTHER-GRAY

Is it not a fact that the pace of the "Forte" is only twelve knots an hour?

Dr. MACNAMARA

I cannot say. I must have notice of that question.

Mr. HOUSTON

Will the hon. Member say why on the first intimation of these disorders a British man-of-war was not sent to Lourenzo Marques; and will he also state whether it is not a fact that the reason a vessel was not sent was due to the inefficient state of the ships?

Dr. MACNAMARA

No, it was not due to the inefficient state of the ships. The "Forte" was due for refit, but it does not follow that she was not effective or unfit for any active service which might be required of her. I may instance the work she did at Cape Point in helping to save the crew of the wrecked Portuguese liner.

Mr. HOUSTON

But the "Forte" is not the only vessel stationed there. What was the condition of the other vessels?

Captain FABER

Is this an additional reason why we may sleep quietly in our beds?