§ MR. SAMUEL SMITHasked the Under Secretary of Slate for Foreign Affairs, If he would explain why Mr. Consul Hewett is kept in England, when his presence is needed on the Coast of Africa, where hostilities between Bonny, New Calabar, and Eckreeki men are with difficulty kept in abeyance, pending the Consul's return to his post; whether Consul Hewett is kept in this Country "on official duty;" and, who is acting as Deputy Consul, to look after British interests, during Consul Hewett's nine months' absence from the Bights?
§ LORD EDMOND FITZMAURICEConsul Hewett returned to England in consequence of severe illness. His health 297 is now fairly re-established, and it is hoped that his return will not be long delayed. Owing to the scarcity of European residents, it has not been found possible to find a qualified person to act for him. I may add that during Consul Hewett's residence in England his advice has been largely employed by the Foreign Office, and has been found of very great use.