§ MR. W. E. FORSTERReferring to the Question which I asked yesterday as to British subjects who are reported to have taken refuge in Constantinople in a condition of great distress, I wish to ask the Government, Whether they have yet received any further information on that subject?
§ THE CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUERWe have not yet received any fresh information from Constantinople; but I have ascertained from communications which have been going on in reference to this matter that the Consuls find their time much occupied in having to make communications to the Foreign Office with regard to each individual case of distress, and it has therefore been suggested that greater latitude should be given to them in dealing with cases as they arise. A communication has been made by the Foreign Office to the Treasury with regard to the authority which Lord Derby proposes to give to the Consuls—authority to deal with cases at once without waiting for specific instructions. I hope, therefore, that the Consuls will, as the result of these proposals, have greater freedom in dealing with these cases, some of which I understand are very urgent.