§ MR. BAILLIE COCHRANEsaid, that although the discussion on China had been, most unfortunately, indefinitely postponed, he desired to ask the noble Lord the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs one or two questions. Understanding that Lord Elgin, who has been appointed our Ambassador Extraordinary to China is about to embark for his destination in a very few days, he thought the House had a right to ask that the discussion which has been arrested by the noble Lord (Lord John Russell) should take place before Lord Elgin left the country. Moreover, he should like to ask the noble Lord whether Lord Elgin is proceeding to China merely to conduct the present negotiations, or whether it is intended that he shall supersede Mr. Bruce?
§ SIR GEORGE GREYreplied, that on Friday his noble Friend (Lord John Rus- 342 sell) intended to make a statement with reference to our affairs in China, and that although Lord Elgin was going to Paris for a few days he would not leave for China before the discussion took place.