HC Deb 20 February 1908 vol 184 cc1021-2
SIR BERKELEY SHEFFIELD (Lincolnshire, Brigg)

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether his attention has been called to the frequent robberies on the Paris, Lyon, and Mediterranean Railway from the luggage of British travellers; and whether, owing to the ineffectual attempts made to obtain redress from the company, he will instruct His Majesty's Ambassador in Paris to make a formal representation on the subject to the French Government.

SIR EDWARD GREY

The attention of His Majesty's Government has been called to the matter, and I will communicate with His Majesty's Ambassador in Paris as to the circumstances.

SIR BERKELEY SHEFFIELD

asked if any representations would be made to the Italian Government?

SIR EDWARD GREY

I did not say I would make representations, but that I would communicate with the British Ambassador at Paris on this subject.

MR. ALEXANDER CROSS (Glasgow, Camlachie)

asked if the British Ambassador would be asked to make representations and if it was not the duty of the Foreign Office to look after the interests of British subjects.

SIR EDWARD GREY

Yes, Sir; and that is the reason why I am going to communicate with the Ambassador at Paris; but what the hon. Member asked me was that I should make a formal representation to a foreign Government on the subject of its own railway, a very improper subject for representation.

MR. ALEXANDER CROSS

No, I did not mean that. I thought the British Ambassador might be asked if he thought representations were desirable to be made.