§ Mr. HOUSTONasked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he will state when the "Amethyst" sailed from Bahia, and where she was on the 4th instant, or his latest advice of her whereabouts; where the "Glasgow" was on the 4th instant, or his latest advice of her whereabouts; and whether the "Kent" and "Challenger" are stationed at Callao or on the west coast of South America, or are only visiting those waters?
§ Mr. McKENNAThe "Amethyst" left Bahia on the 1st May for St. Vincent. The "Glasgow" was at Portsmouth on the 4th instant, and leaves to-day. The "Kent" and "Challenger" are visiting (see page 7 of Parliamentary Paper, Command No. 5547).
§ Mr. HOUSTONAre we to understand that there is no British man-of-war between Bahia, on the east coast of Brazil, and Callao on the west coast of South America?
§ Mr. McKENNAYes.
§ Mr. HOUSTONAnd that this great trade route is absolutely undefended?
§ Mr. McKENNANo, Sir. I have just stated that the "Amethyst" left Bahia on 1st May for St. Vincent.
§ Mr. HOUSTONBut that is a great way from the west coast?
§ Mr. McKENNAWe are not dealing with the west coast.
§ Mr. HOUSTONI was dealing with the east and west coasts.