Mr. ARNOLD HERBERTasked the President of the Board of Trade whether a firm of solicitors acting on behalf of the Board of Trade obtained statements from the officers and crew of the "Woodburn" on her arrival in this country after being fired upon by Russian warships; if so, whether he has received their Report; whether he has communicated such Report to the Foreign Office; and, if not, whether he will do so without delay?
§ The PRESIDENT of the BOARD of TRADE (Mr. Churchill)I am not aware that any statements have been obtained from the officers or crew of the "Wood-burn" by solicitors acting on behalf of the Board of Trade. A deposition, of which a copy has already been sent to the Foreign Office, was made in the ordinary course before the Chief Officer of Customs by the injured fireman, Michael Coyne, on his arrival at Bo'ness. I understand that steps have been taken by the Foreign Office to obtain a statement from the master.