§ Captain P. MACDONALDasked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether his Department was consulted by the South African Government before the South African Navy was recently reduced to less than a quarter of its former size; what is the annual amount now paid by South Africa towards the upkeep of the British Navy; and whether any alteration is to be made in the size of the squadrons of His Majesty's vessels now on the South African station?
Lord STANLEY:The Admiralty were consulted by the Government of the Union of South Africa before the recent reorganisation was determined. The Government of the Union of South Africa makes a small payment towards the maintenance of a staff officer at the Cape for liaison with the Naval Staff in London. The reply to the last part of the question is in the negative.