HC Deb 24 March 1899 vol 69 c336
MR. YERBURGH (Chester)

I beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether Sir Claude Macdonald is coming to England on leave; and, if so, what arrangements have been made to replace him during his absence from Pekin?

MR. BRODRICK

Sir C. Macdonald has been at Pekin for three years, and applied for leave, which he has thoroughly earned, on the ground of health. He left Pekin yesterday on his way home. The Secretary of Legation, Mr. Bax Ironside, will act as Chargé d'Affaires.