§ MR. DARBY GRIFFITHsaid, he wished to ask the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, What steps the Government have taken to obtain an explanation of the discrepancy which exists between the account of the British Admiral on the one hand, and of the British Merchants and the American Commodore on the other, relating to the alleged offer made by the latter to co-operate with the Admiral in resisting the bombardment of Valparaiso?
§ MR. LAYARDNo such steps, Sir, have been taken, nor do I believe that the Government intend to take any such steps. No doubt the hon. Member has read the full statement of Admiral Denman as published in the papers laid on the table of the House. I have only to add that Her Majesty's Government place the fullest reliance upon such a statement coming from a British officer.