§ Sir WILLIAM BULL (Hammersmith)To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether His Majesty's 22 consul in Chicago has made any investigations into the charges against the meat business; and, if so, when his Report is likely to be received, and if it is proposed to publish it.
(Answered by Secretary Sir Edward Grey.) I suppose that the hon. Member has in his mind a telegram in the Press, stating that His Majesty's consul had inspected the meat-packing establishments, and that his Report was understood to be generally favourable. Mr. Finn, the consul in question, has telegraphed to the effect that he has refused to make any statements, but that he has written a Report, which was despatched on the 14th instant. I cannot say whether the Report will be published until I have examined it. It seems to me, however, that the subject is one which can only be adequately treated by an expert.