§ 52. Viscount SANDONasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he can give particulars of the damage by the recent storm to the Bahama Islands; what is the estimate of its cost; and whether any ships of His Majesty's Navy have been sent there to render assistance?
§ Mr. AMERYThe information received from the Governor states that the hurricane caused much damage to property, 2988 especially in the out-islands. Local shipping has suffered heavily, it is feared with considerable loss of life. The Governor has promised to communicate further particulars as soon as they have been collected, but owing to the breakdown of inter-island communications some days must elapse before an accurate estimate of loss can be compiled. At my request the Admiralty have arranged for the despatch to the Bahamas of the sloop " Valerian " from the North America and West Indies station.
§ Commander BELLAIRSIs it not the case that considerable assistance was rendered by the United States?