§ MR. JOHN DILLON (Mayo, E.)I beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what information he has in reference to the distress reported to prevail amongst the peasantry of Crete; whether a large body of peasants, numbering about 500, have been at Paleocastro for some time in a state of semi-starvation waiting in hopes of getting away to Greece; and whether the admirals are taking any steps to secure that relief is sent to those districts where the people are in want of food?
MR. CURZONSir Herbert Chermside reported on the 11th instant that over 700 Christians were on the seashore, a few miles west of Candia, in a destitute condition, and that they wished to embark for Greece. Relief was distributed to them by the British and Russian Authorities. In addition to the sum of £400 which has already been contributed by Her Majesty's Government for general relief purposes, a further sum of £300 has been granted for this emergency, to be administered by Sir H. Chermside in conjunction with the British Naval Authorities.
§ MR. DILLONI beg to ask whether the right hon. Gentleman has any information with reference to the reports as to great distress prevailing in the interior of the island?