§ SIR H. CAMPBELL-BANNERMAN () Stirling BurghsI beg to ask the First Lord of the Treasury a Question, of which I have given him private notice—namely, when will he be able to lay further papers on the Table regarding China, the last instalment having been presented so far back as April of last year?
§ THE FIRST LORD OF THE TREASURYSir, I am afraid I cannot promise a date for these papers. They are, I think, rather behindhand, and, as the right honourable Gentleman knows, a further delay is consequent upon the necessity of consulting foreign Governments, which is very apt to make an unduly prolonged period before papers are laid. I hope it will not be longer than a fortnight or three weeks, but I cannot make any pledge.
§ SIR H. CAMPBELL-BANNERMANThe right honourable Gentleman will observe that it is a very long interval, considering the active nature of the negotiations since April last.