§ MR. KING (Hull, Central)asked the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, Whether the Civil Estimates of the last two years and of this year pro- 32 vide for the payment of a Consular official at Massowah; whether a Consular official was, in fact, appointed to this post about two years ago; and, whether this officer has for the last two years been working in the Foreign Office instead of going to Massowah?
§ THE UNDER SECRETARY OF STATE (Sir JAMES FERGUSSON) (Manchester, N.E.)The Estimates of last year and those of the current financial year provide for the payment of a Vice Consul at Massowah. A Vice Consul was appointed on October 26, 1886; but in consequence of the unsettled state of the country it has been decided from time to time to defer his departure. He has been employed on important duties in the Foreign Office.