LORD NAASsaid, he would beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, How many Licences have been issued under the Royal Sign Manual granting permission to British Officers to enter the service of the Emperor of China, 1952 and to fit out and equip Vessels for the Chinese Government, in consequence of the request made by the Under Secretary of State to Mr. Clive, in his letter dated the 30th July 1862?
§ SIR GEORGE GREYreplied, that there had been two applications, and that licences were prepared; but no licences had been issued after the date of the letter referred to. Those for whom the licences were made out did not avail themselves of them, and an Order in Council was afterwards issued declaring the licences to be unnecessary.