Sir GILBERT PARKERasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if, in view of the increasing interest displayed by the chambers of commerce of this country with possibilities of British trade with Congo, he would publish a statement showing the condition under which such trade may be carried on, with indications from His Majesty's consular staff of the openings for commerce ire various parts of the Congo?
§ Sir EDWARD GREYIt would be very difficult to furnish a statement of the nature required by the hon. Member, while the conditions of trade in the Congo are in a state of transition, and without more precise indications of the particulars desired, but if any British merchant or firm applies to me, I will furnish such information as I possess or can obtain. As soon as new conditions are settled they will of course be made known.
Sir GILBERT PARKERasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he would lay upon the Table of the House the Report or Reports received from His Majesty's Vice-Consul in Katanga, Mr. G. B. Beak, since September, 1907?
§ Sir EDWARD GREYI do not think it would serve any useful purpose to lay Mr. Beak's Reports before the House at the present time, as they deal with a condition of things which will end on 1st July next. As I told the House last Thursday, I must await Reports from His Majesty's Consular Officers as to the working of the new system in the Congo, and as soon as I have definite information it shall be laid before the House.