§ MR. FELL (Great Yarmouth)I beg to ask the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether there are any consuls or vice-consuls representing the British Empire in any of the ports or cities in Siberia; and whether, in view of our growing trade with that country, he will consider the advisability of establishing a consul at either Omsk, Tomsk, Irkurtz, Vladivostock, or some other city in that country.
§ SIR EDWARD GREYThere are no British Consular Officers at present in Siberia; there was a British Commercial Agent at Vladivostock from November, 1902, to March, 1904, and the question of a fresh appointment is under consideration. No representations have recently been made to the Foreign Office by those interested in trade with Siberia in favour of the establishment of consulates at the places mentioned, but the suggestion will not be lost sight of. Their creation 1097 would, of course, require the consent of the Russian Government.