§ SIR H. DRUMMOND WOLFFasked the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, Whether there is any truth in the statement, which has appeared in several newspapers, to the effect that the Sultan has recently taken steps to effect reforms both in his Asiatic and European Dominions; whether it is proposed in such reforms to introduce into European Turkey the institutions drawn up by the Commission, of which the noble Lord the Member for Calne was a member; and, whether any, Papers can be laid upon the Table on the subject?
§ SIR CHARLES W. DILKENothing very definite is known as to the intentions of His Majesty the Sultan with regard to the introduction of administrative reforms; and I cannot, therefore, say whether the reforms contemplated extend to the whole Empire, nor can I state their probable nature. His Majesty has, however, given Lord Dufferin repeated assurances of his determination to introduce reforms; but it would not be advisable to lay on the Table, at the present moment, any Papers upon the subject.