HC Deb 07 December 1927 vol 211 cc1358-9
10. Mr. LOOKER

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty if he will cause a ship to be stationed at Bias Bay to check the frequent cases of piracy occurring on the China coast?

Mr. BRIDGEMAN

The question of stationing a British ship at Bias Bay to check piracy has been considered, and this action has been taken on occasion, whenever thought desirable. The establishment of a permanent British patrol in Bias Bay is not thought to be a feasible solution of this problem.

Mr. LOOKER

Does the First Lord of the Admiralty propose to take any naval steps or make any naval dispositions to check the increase of piracy among pirates who have their bases in the immediate neighbourhood?

Mr. T. WILLIAMS

Will the right hon. Gentleman undertake not to interfere with private enterprise?

Mr. BRIDGEMAN

I am not aware that piracy is included in the term "private enterprise," but, if so, I cannot undertake not to interfere with it. With regard to my hon. Friend's supplementary question, the whole matter has been carefully considered by the Commander-in-Chief on the spot, and he is adopting what he thinks is the best method of dealing with the matter.

11. Mr. LOOKER

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether the new gunboats constructed for use on the China station are in service in Chinese waters; and whether, in view of the increasing piracy taking place, he will provide additional gunboats for the China station in the next Naval Estimates?

Mr. BRIDGEMAN

One of the new gunboats is already in commission. Another will be commissioned during the present month. The remaining two are expected to be put into service early in the new year. These vessels are designed solely for service on the great rivers of China, and cannot be employed on the high seas where the recent increase in piracy has occurred.

Mr. LOOKER

Are these new vessels additional or are they replacements? If they are replacements, will the right hon. Gentleman consider the question of continuing in service the vessels due to be replaced in view of the prevalence of piracy?

Mr. BRIDGEMAN

Some of the vessels which are due to be replaced are being kept as long as we can keep them. Other vessels are taking the place of those that are absolutely unable to go on any longer, and the question of their replacement is one which the Admiralty is always considering.