§ MR. ANDERSONasked the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, If it be true, as stated in the "Standard" of 25th inst. that Lord Augustus Loftus is about to leave St. Petersburg, and Count Schouvaloff is also leaving London; and, if the statement is well founded, if he can give the country an assurance that this absence of both Ambassadors from their posts has no political significance; and, if he will explain how the Powers are to communicate during its continuance?
§ MR. BOURKESir, in answer to the hon. Member for Glasgow I have to state that Lord Augustus Loftus is not going to leave St. Petersburg, nor has Count Schouvaloff announced his intention of leaving London. At the same time, I believe there has been some question about Count Schouvaloff taking a short leave of absence. With regard to the last part of the hon. Member's Question, should Count Schouvaloff go on leave of absence for a short time—but I am not able to state whether he is going or not—communication with the Russian Embassy will be carried on in the usual manner—namely, through the Chargé d'Affaires.