HC Deb 18 February 1878 vol 237 c1851
THE MARQUESS OF HARTINGTON

I have not been able to give any Notice to the right hon. Gentleman the Chancellor of the Exchequer, but I have no doubt the House will be glad to know, Whether it is in his power to make any statement respecting the progress of the negotiations for a Conference or Congress; and also whether the Government have received any information as to the movements of the Fleet in the Sea of Marmora?

THE CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUER

Sir, with respect to the second Question of the noble Lord, I may say that we have received a communication from the Admiral stating that he has in concert with Her Majesty's Ambassador at Constantinople, taken up his position at Mundania Bay, in the south-east angle of the Sea of Marmora. That is found to be a convenient station. He was authorized, in concert with Her Majesty's Ambassador, to select what station he pleased, which he has accordingly done. I am not able at the present moment to give the noble Lord any information with regard to the Conference. An important communication has been received, I believe, by my noble Friend the Foreign Secretary, within the last half-hour; but that has not yet been submitted to Her Majesty's Government, and therefore I am unable to give any information on the subject.