§ MR. A. E. PEASE (York)I beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether there is any substantial truth in the statement which appeared in the St. James's Gazette, of yesterday (11th June), purporting to give in detail the lines upon which a settlement either had been or was about to be arrived at between England and Germany respecting their spheres of influence in Africa?
§ SIR J. FERGUSSONNo statement can be made upon the point at present.
§ MR. E. W. BECKETT (York, N.R., Whitby)I should like to ask whether the Government are prepared to adhere to Lord Salisbury's declaration in the City that it is very undesirable to come to any agreement which we have not ascertained would be acceptable to the trading companies, missionaries, and others, who have advanced this great work; and whether the Government are still of opinion that this matter is one upon which the public opinion of England and Parliament ought to be consulted?
§ SIR J. FERGUSSONI am sure that the Prime Minister will adhere to any statement which he has publicly made. Further than that I cannot go.