MR. GIBSON BOWLESI wish to ask the Under Secretary for Foreign Affairs a question, of which I have given him private notice, namely, whether he can say why the Foreign Office Paper containing Sir C. Macdonald's dispatch of 9th February, 1898, received at the Foreign Office on 13th April, which was forwarded by the Foreign Office to the daily newspapers yesterday, was not distributed to Members of the House as well as to the newspapers yesterday; and, further, why it was not among the Papers distributed to or obtainable by Members that day, and when it would be obtainable?
MR. CURZONThe Paper was not distributed last night owing to an accident in the original version, to which I need not, perhaps, further allude. I stopped the circulation at once. Orders have been given to-day for an amended version to be prepared, and it will be circulated this afternoon.
MR. GIBSON BOWLESWill the version circulated to-day not contain the interesting grammatical criticism on the British Minister?
MR. CURZONNo, Sir. I am afraid that the honourable Member must deny himself the pleasure of again seeing that in print.