§ Mr. Blewittsaid, he wished to ask a question of great importance to those trading in the Chinese seas. He wished to know whether the Government had made up their minds permanently to occupy the island of Hong Kong.
§ Sir R. Peel:We are still engaged in hostilities with China, and the hon. Gentleman asks me whether the Government have made up their minds to permanently occupy the island of Hong Kong. I must decline to give an answer to such a question.