48. Mr. SOURRasked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies how often the island of Tristan da Cunha is visited officially; what arrangements are made to meet any emergency, medical or other call, from the inhabitants; and if there is a wireless station on the island?
§ Mr. LUNNThere is no regular programme of visits to Tristan da Cunha. His Majesty's Government, however, have endeavoured to arrange that at least one steamer carrying supplies etc. calls at the island each year. On learning in April last of a threatened food shortage, His Majesty's Government provided the funds necessary to ensure the call at Tristan of a vessel carrying relief stores. I understand that a wireless apparatus, capable of receiving messages from England, Buenos Aires and New York, was installed on the island last February.