§ SIR JOHN HAYasked the First Lord of the Treasury, Whether instructions have been sent to the authorities of Hong Kong and Singapore to pre- 158 vent the coaling of French and Chinese vessels at those ports during hostilities between those Powers; and, whether he will consider whether a more rigid enforcement of neutral rights may not be the means of putting a stop to warlike operations which are so prejudicial to trade and commerce?
MR. GLADSTONEThe time is too early for me to give a positive answer to this Question of the right hon. and gallant Baronet. I have communicated with my noble Friend the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs upon it, and I am able to say that Her Majesty's Government are in consultation with the Law Officers on some points raised in this Question, and also with the French Government; but those communications have not reached such a stage as to en-enable me to make a statement.
§ SIR JOHN HAYHave Her Majesty's Government received any authentic information that the English law has been put in force to compel the Chinese labourers to place coals on board French vessels engaged in hostilities; and, if so, will that be put a stop to?
MR. GLADSTONEI am afraid I must ask the right hon. and gallant Gentleman to be kind enough to put his Question on the Paper.