§ MR. J. R. MACDONALD (Leicester)On behalf of the hon. Member for the Elland Division of Yorkshire I beg to ask the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether Consul Nightingale has now returned to his post on the Lower Congo; whether the British vice-consuls on the Upper Congo have yet started on the inland tour decided upon by His Majesty's Government; and whether their itinerary will include an extensive visit to the portion of the Congo territories known as the Domaine de la Couronne.
§ SIR EDWARD GREYConsul Nightingale arrived at his post on the 19th ultimo. We are expecting to receive very shortly estimates of the cost of the tours which the two vice-consuls are to make in the interior. It is proposed that the Domaine de la Couronne shall be one of the districts visited.
§ SIR GILBERT PARKER (Gravesend)Are we to understand there are only two vice-consuls on the Congo?
§ SIR EDWARD GREYOh, no. I am not sure what the total number is, but I will ascertain if the hon. Member wishes.