§ ADMIRAL FIELD (Sussex, Eastbourne)asked the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, Whether he is in a position to inform the House of the result of his inquiries into the alleged murder of a British merchant seaman by a Spanish sentry in the Port of Bilbao; and, whether any representation, or demand for compensation for the poor man's family, has been made to the Spanish Government, in respect of the aforesaid outrage?
§ THE UNDER SECRETARY OF STATE (Sir JAMES FERGUSSON) (Manchester, N.E.)Since my answers on the 28th and 29th of July nothing definite has been heard on the subject from the Spanish Government. We know, however, from Her Majesty's Consul at Bilbao that he had placed the sworn depositions taken by him in the hands of the Spanish authorities, and had called their attention to certain particulars. They, on their part, were collecting evidence, with a view to a thorough investigation of the case.
§ ADMIRAL FIELDWill the right hon. Gentleman say whether or not he is satisfied that a murder was committed?
§ SIR JAMES FERGUSSONI think the hon. and gallant Member will see that it would be in the highest degree improper if I were to express an opinion upon a matter still under judicial investigation.