§ Mr. LLOYDasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, in view of the urgency of further financial provision for the British school in Constantinople, he would ascertain the views of the British Ambassador by telegraph?
§ Sir E. GREYThe answer is in the negative. I am quite sure that, in the strenuous competition, which exists on all sides, to increase the public expenditure of the country, I cannot make a claim for this particular object prevail by telegraph reports.
§ Mr. LLOYDHas not His Majesty's Ambassador expressed to the Foreign Office his approval of helping the school in every way possible, and, in view of that fact, will the right hon. Gentleman give us some assurance that he will do something in the matter?
§ Sir E. GREYAs far as I recollect, His Majesty's Ambassador has expressed his approval, but it entails further public expenditure, and there are other people besides His Majesty's Ambassador who have put forward claims with very good reasons for increases of public expenditure. The Government cannot meet them all, and until I get a full report from the Ambassador on the question, I obviously am not in a position to take any steps in regard to this particular claim.
§ Mr. LLOYDHas it not been persistently advocated as part of the right hon. Gentleman's policy, that our trade should be assisted, particularly in educational branches abroad, and is not this a case where a desire might be shown to carry that policy into effect?
§ Sir E. GREYThat is perfectly true, but it is equally true that claims to assist British trade and British interests come from all sides, and the Government must have an opportunity of deciding as to which is the most urgent.