§ 5. Mr. NUNNasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether his attention has been called to the attempt to levy business taxes from foreigners in Hankow; and whether he will secure from the Chinese Government a confirmation of the undertaking that British subjects shall be liable only to pay such regular and legal Chinese taxation not involving discrimination as is in fact imposed on and paid by Chinese citizens throughout China?
§ Mr. BALDWINThe answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. As regards the second part, my hon. Friend, I think, somewhat misapprehends the position. It is not a question of an undertaking by the Chinese Government, but of a voluntary offer made by His Majestys' Government to extend the liabilities of British subjects in the manner described in the question. The Chinese Government have been reminded of the terms of that offer in connection with the business tax at Hankow.