MR. J. H. ROBERTS (Denbighshire, W.)I beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is aware that the fortifications now being erected by the Russian Government at Port Arthur practically preclude trading operations being carried on there; and whether, as the Russian trading restrictions at Talien-wan in their present form render international trade impossible with that port, any modification of these restrictions has been suggested.
§ MR. A. J. BALFOUR (for Mr. BRODRICK)Port Arthur is not open to trade, and therefore no trading operations can be carried on there under any circumstances. No complaint with regard to restrictions upon trade at Talien-wan have reached Her Majesty's Government. In the event of such complaints being received inquiry will be made.