§ MR. NUTTALL (Lancashire, Stretford)I beg to ask the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, in view of the fact that at Tientsin, the second in importance among China treaty ports, 1738 the British post office will be closed unless the Chamber of Commerce guarantees the financial deficit, and in view of the fact that the British post offices at Hankow, Chefoo, and Canton are maintained without merchants being required to contribute to the working expenses, His Majesty's Government will undertake the charge, in order to assist our commerce and maintain the same status for England as that established by Germany, France, and Russia at that port.
§ THE UNDER SECRETARY OF STATE FOR THE COLONIES (Mr. CHURCHILL,) Manchester, N.W.The question of the maintenance of these postal agencies is now being discussed between the Colonial Office and the Treasury, and the point raised by the hon. Member will receive consideration.