HC Deb 31 January 1878 vol 237 cc727-8
MR. EVELYN ASHLEY

asked Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer, If his attention has been called to a paragraph in the "Daily News" of the 30th instant, with reference to an official Correspondence which is alleged to exist on the subject of certain Letters addressed by the Right honourable Member for Greenwich to Mr. Negropontis, a Greek Merchant at Constantinople; whether such a Correspondence is in existence; and, if so, whether Her Majesty's Government have any objection to lay a Copy upon the Table of the House; and, whether he can contradict a current report that Her Majesty's Ambassador at Constantinople has admitted that he was the author of statements as to the contents of the aforesaid Letters of the Right honourable gentleman which the latter has publicly contradicted?

THE CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUER

Sir, I have not myself seen the Correspondence, but I understand from my noble Friend the Secretary for Foreign Affairs that there will be no objection to lay it on the Table, and it shall be laid on the Table forthwith. I understand that the Correspondence will answer the last part of the Question of the hon. and learned Member; but I am unable to do so myself.