§ MR. HOULT (Cheshire, Wirrall)I beg to ask the First Lord of the Treasury if he is aware that the British Minister at Tokio has instituted an inquiry into 538 the circumstances attending the sinking of the British steamer "Knight Commander," and whether he has sanctioned this inquiry; and, if so, whether he will cause instructions to he given to British representatives abroad, in all cases of seizure or interference with British shipping, to hold an inquiry forthwith and furnish His Majesty's Government with all the information obtainable.
§ MR. A. J. BALFOURThe Minister at Tokio was instructed on the 25th ultimo to make full inquiries into the case of the "Knight Commander." As to the second part of the Question, I think it is clear that a general roving commission to all His Majesty's representatives to make inquiries is not required. We shall carefully watch events and do our best to make ourselves fully quainted with all cases of hardship.