§ ADMIRAL FIELD (Sussex, Eastbourne)asked the Under Secretary of State for the Colonies, If he will cause inquiry to be made of British Consul at Madeira as to the truth of a report that certain missionaries, 1311 supposed to be British subjects (Messrs. Wright and Mellin), have been arrested by the Portuguese authorities at Madeira for "preaching the Gospel," and committed for trial; and, if the said report should prove to be correct, he will give instructions with a view to their protection, and cause representations to be made in the proper quarter to ensure their release from custody?
§ THE UNDER SECRETARY OF STATE (Mr. BRYCE) (Aberdeen, S.)This case was reported to the Foreign Office by the Evangelical Alliance on April 2, and Her Majesty's Consul at Funchal was forthwith directed to inquire into the facts and report thereon. Should it appear that the statements made in the Question of the hon. and gallant Member are well founded, representations will at once be addressed to the Portuguese Government with a view to obtaining the release of the missionaries.