§ 20. Mr. HOUSTONasked the number of lighters which were captured from the Germans when the British forces occupied the Cameroons; and whether these lighters are still in the possession of the British authorities, or if they have been sold, and, if the latter, when they were sold?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the ADMIRALTY (Dr. Macnamara)My hon. Friend has asked me to reply to this question. About forty lighters were captured from the Germans. The majority of them have been on loan to the French Administration of the Cameroons since 1st April, 1916, and some have been retained for the use of the British and Nigerian Governments. From a telegram recently received, it appears that some, which had been wrecked, were sold at the end of last month. I am inquiring further into the matter.
§ Mr. HOUSTONI am quite sure that my right hon. Friend has given me correct information, and therefore I presume that he will now be aware that I have received incorrect information from the hon. Gentleman the Secretary for Shipping Control on the 8th of May.