§ 16. Mr. ARTHUR MICHAEL SAMUELasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he will cause inquiries to be made of the Chinese Government as to the reason why five British mem- 1410 bers of the staff of the Canton-Hankow Railway have not yet received what is due to them from this railway; and also why a portion of the admitted claim due to another British member of the staff, Mr. Valpy, has been held back by the Canton-Hankow Railway?
§ Mr. DALTONIn reply to the first part of the question, my right hon. Friend has no information regarding these five cases, but is asking His Majesty's Minister in China for a report. I should be obliged if the hon. Member would supply me with any particulars in his possession. In reply to the second part of the question, I am glad to be able to inform the House that His Majesty's Minister reports that $30,000 were paid to Mr. Valpy at the end of November, and that arrangements have been made for the balance of $9,000 to be paid as soon as sanction is obtained from the railway authorities at Hankow.
§ Mr. SAMUELI will send to the hon. Gentleman a letter that I have received from China.