§ ADMIRAL FIELD (Sussex, Eastbourne)asked the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, Whether he has inquired into the truth of the report of an English merchant seaman having been deliberately shot dead by a Spanish sentry in the port of Bilbao, whilst on the quay near to his ship; and, whether satisfaction for the outrage, if true, has been 370 demanded, together with compensation for the poor man's family?
§ MR. PICKERSGILL (Bethnal Green, S.W.)asked, Whether the Undersecretary's attention had been drawn to a letter in The Standard of last Saturday, in which it was stated that serious outrages were constantly being committed on English subjects by Spaniards; whether he had any information in his possession confirming that statement; and whether he would communicate with the English Consuls on the subject?
§ THE UNDER SECRETARY OF STATE (Sir JAMES FERGUSSON) (Manchester, N.E.)the occurrence referred to by the hon. and gallant Admiral took place on Sunday, July 1st. The Consul at Bilbao reported it, and stated that he was taking the depositions in the case; that the Military Commander had promised a strict inquiry, and that the sworn Consular depositions should be attached to his proceedings. Whilst the investigation is being made it is premature to pronounce on the propriety of a demand for compensation. With regard to the Question put by the hon. Member opposite, we have certainly noticed cases of outrage committed on British subjects. These have been immediately inquired into by the British Representative.