HC Deb 07 August 1883 vol 282 cc1846-7
MR. ASHMEAD-BARTLETT

asked the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, If he can give the House any further information from Madagascar regarding the insult to the British Flag at Tamatave?

LORD EDMOND FITZMAURICE

Sir, we have as yet no further information than that already make known to the House.

MR. ASHMEAD-BARTLETT

May I ask the noble Lord if any despatches have been received contradicting the statements that have been reported?

LORD EDMOND FITZMAURICE

No; the despatches which have been expected for some time have not yet arrived. As I explained the other day, in answer to another Question, there was a probability of some delay owing to the quarantine regulations which interrupt the ordinary channels of communication.