§ SIR ELLIS ASHMEAD-BARTLETT (Sheffield, Ecclesall)I beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether Her Majesty's Government have information confirming the reports that the Russians proposed to occupy and annex Deer Island, opposite Fusan; that Russian forces are strengthening the forts at Port Arthur, and that Port Arthur has been practically ceded to Russia?
§ THE UNDER SECRETARY OF STATE FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS (Mr. G. N. CURZON,) Lancashire, SouthportWe have received no confirmation of any of these reports.
§ SIR E. ASHMEAD-BARTLETTPerhaps the right hon. Gentleman will be able to say, without notice, whether the reports as to the demands of Russia regarding Port Arthur which appear in the Times of this morning are confirmed?
§ MR. CURZONThese reports are equally unconfirmed with the reports mentioned in the Question.
§ MR. R. G. WEBSTER (St. Pancras, E.)Will any steps be taken to secure the mainland at Hong-Kong and the islands contiguous?
§ MR. SPEAKEROrder, order!