§ MR. E. STANHOPEasked the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, Whether any representations have been addressed to the Russian Government as to M. Lessar, who appears by the Proceedings of the Geographical Society at St. Petersburg to have undertaken several journeys in Persian and Afghan territory for the purpose of surveying the country on both sides of the Afghan frontier; and, whether the Government intend to lay any Papers upon the Table of the House relating to affairs in Central Asia?
§ LORD EDMOND FITZMAURICENo representations have been addressed on the subject to the Russian Government. The last Blue Book on Central Asia (No. 1, 1882) contained, among other Correspondence, a Report made by M. Lessar on the country traversed by him between Askabad and Sarakhs. There will be no objection to laying on the Table any further information in the possession of the Foreign Office respecting M. Lessar's later journeys.
§ MR. E. STANHOPEAs to the latter part of my Question, are the Government going to lay Papers on the Table relating to the general subject?
§ LORD EDMOND FITZMAURICEYes, Sir. I will communicate with my hon. Friend on the subject?