§ MR. COLERIDGE KENNARDasked the First Lord of the Treasury, Whether he can now state to the House that the Ottoman Porte has been consulted as to the despatch of a High Commissioner to inquire into and report to Her Majesty's Government upon the disorganised condition of a portion of the Sultan's dominions; and, if so, whether the Government of the Sultan have claimed the right of limiting the scope of the instructions to be given to the said High Commissioner?
MR. GLADSTONEIn our view, it would be entirely premature to enter on the discussion of any subject connected with Lord Northbrook's Mission, which would be only partial, and, therefore, misleading.
§ MR. COLERIDGE KENNARDI simply asked whether any reference has been made to the Ottoman Porte?
MR. GLADSTONEThat is precisely the Question which I decline to answer, because I could only give partial information.