HC Deb 21 July 1915 vol 73 cc1467-8
6. Mr. LYNCH

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, in view of the importance of the Yangtse to British trade, he can say if he has any official information to the effect that the China Merchants' Steamship Company will shortly pass under foreign control, direct or indirect?

Lord ROBERT CECIL

The answer is in the negative.

Mr. LYNCH

Does that mean that the right hon. Gentleman has not the information, or that he has the full information?

Lord ROBERT CECIL

I am afraid I cannot go further than to say that it means exactly what it says; it is a negative to the question put by the hon. Gentleman.