HC Deb 14 July 1887 vol 317 cc786-7
MR. BRYCE (Aberdeen, S.)

asked the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, Whether Sir Henry Drummond Wolff has yet received his final instructions to quit Constantinople; and, if so, for what day his departure stands fixed?

THE UNDER SECRETARY OF STATE (Sir JAMES FERGUSSON) (Manchester, N.E.)

I can add nothing to the distinct statement which I made in answer to the hon. Gentleman last Tuesday. Sir Henry Drummond Wolff intends to leave Constantinople on Saturday next.

MR. BRYCE

I should like to ask the right hon. Gentleman, whether he would give a more specific answer to the particular point of my Question, which is—Has Sir Henry Drummond Wolff now received his final instructions, or is it intended to give him fresh instructions?

SIR JAMES FERGUSSON

I have stated to the House exactly how the matter stands. I have stated that it is not intended that Sir Henry Drummond Wolff's stay shall be prolonged, and that he intends to leave on Saturday. To ask any further Question on the point is pressing me rather unduly.

MR. ARTHUR O'CONNOR (Donegal, E.)

Before the Diplomatic Vote is taken in Supply, can the right hon. Gentleman furnish the House with the total expenditure connected with this Mission?

SIR JAMES FERGUSSON

I am afraid I cannot furnish the House with a more definite statement than that which I gave the other night, because the accounts of the last half-year will not be audited by that time. I have stated to the House that the accounts up to the end of last year amounted to £22,500; and we have reason to believe that up to the present time the expense will not be more than £800 a-month.

MR. BRYCE

As I have no desire to press my right hon. Friend unduly, perhaps he will allow me—and perhaps the House will allow me—to say that I now understand him to mean—[Cries of "Order!"]—I only ask—I now understand him to mean that he has instructed Sir Henry Drummond Wolff to leave on Saturday?

SIR JAMES FERGUSSON

I must ask my hon. Friend to understand simply what I have already said, and which is perfectly clear.