HC Deb 06 March 1940 vol 358 c371
37. Sir P. Hannon

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he has had any recent report on the condition of the inhabitants of Tristan da Cunha; whether any recent calls of ships have been reported; and whether any of the islanders have been recruited for war service?

Mr. M. MacDonald

Yes, Sir. One of His Majesty's ships called at Tristan da Cunha recently, when it was ascertained that the crops had been good and that cultivation was being extended to other islands in the group and that there was no sickness. A two months' supply of dry provisions was landed on the island. I have not received any report that any of the islanders have been recruited for war service.

Sir P. Hannon

Is my right hon. Friend keeping up some sort of systematic contact with this remote Colony of ours in the Southern Seas?

Mr. MacDonald

It is very difficult to keep up systematic contact, but we have contact whenever possible.

Mr. Lunn

Can the Minister say when another ship is likely to call at these islands?

Mr. MacDonald

I should require notice of that question.

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