§ MR. BOURKEasked the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, What representatives has Her Majesty's Government at present in the Congo, and at the Niger and Cameroons; also, whether anyone practically acquainted with West African trade will accompany the Mission to Berlin, with respect to the approaching Conference?
§ LORD EDMOND FITZMAURICEThere is no Representative at present on the Congo. There is a Consul for the Niger and Oil River district, who is at his post, and there are Vice Consuls on the Niger and at Ambas Bay, in the Cameroon district. A third Vice Consul is about to leave England, and a fourth will be appointed. A Consular Officer will eventually be stationed on the Congo, which is within the district of the Consulate at Loanda. With regard to the second Question, it has been intimated to the Secretary of State that gentlemen practically acquainted with British West African trade will be present in Berlin during the Conference on behalf of important trade interests in the North of England. The Representatives of the British Government will be in communication with them on all points where their advice is likely to be useful.
§ MR. BOURKEasked the Civil Lord of the Admiralty, What is our Naval Force at present in the Bight of Benin, and at the Congo?
§ SIR THOMAS BRASSEYAccording to the latest information the vessels in the Bight are the A lecto, steam vessel; Flirt, gun vessel; and the Forward, gunboat; at Cape Coast Castle there are the Frolic, gun-vessel; Watchful, gunboat; and the Opal, corvette. The Opal will shortly be replaced by the corvette Rapid.