§ Sir R. THOMASasked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether, in view of the continuance of piracy in the China seas, he has considered the possibility of detailing armed naval ratings as temporary members of the crews of merchant ships while they are in the danger zones; and will he state, as far as is advisable, what measures he has adopted, or is about to adopt, for the protection of shipping in those seas?
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§ Mr. BRIDGEMANArmed guards—both naval and military—are at present being furnished in ships as far as it is practicable to do so. The whole question, which touches many interests, is now and has been under the earnest consideration of His Majesty's Government.