§ 3. Rear-Admiral BEAMISHasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what, if any, settlement has been reached in regard to Bouvet Island; and if he has any reliable information as to the existence and position of Thompson Island?
§ Sir A. CHAMBERLAINAs regards the first part of the question, I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the statements which my right hon. Friend made in this House on the 19th and 26th of November. The earliest information regarding Thompson Island is that supplied by Captain Norris, who landed on Bouvet Island in December, 1825, and who reported having sighted in the same month a smaller island to the North-East of it, on which he did not land. It is believed only to have been sighted once since then, but in view of the definite statements as to its discovery there seems to be no ground for questioning its existence though its precise position remains uncertain.
§ Rear-Admiral BEAMISHMay I suggest that in the event of this island being rediscovered the right hon. Gentleman should approach the Prime Minister with a. view to appointing a full government for it from His Majesty's Opposition, in order to enable them ab ovo to put into operation their theories of government?
§ Lieut. Commander KENWORTHYAnd could the hon. and gallant Member he appointed to navigate the vessel which would take them out there?