§ THE MARQUESS OF SALISBURYI am sorry that the noble Earl the Leader of the House has not waited till now. I wish to ask whether it is true, as reported to us, that all decision upon the question at issue between us and the Government of Russia is to be hung up until a gentleman who has got a map and who has left Sir Peter Lumsden arrives in England? That is the rumour which comes to us. Of course, rumours are sometimes strangely altered in coming to us through the Central Chamber. But that is what comes to us from the House of Commons. It is stated that this is what Mr. Gladstone has just announced. Is there anything within the knowledge of the noble Earl to justify that statement?
THE EARL OF KIMBERLEYI really cannot answer the Question without Notice. With regard to the question being hung up, I am not aware that there is anything hung up any more than before. It is in precisely the same position as it was yesterday. I think there must be some misunderstanding. I do not wish to be thought mysterious; but the inquiry refers to a statement made in the other House, and I cannot answer it without Notice.
§ THE MARQUESS OF SALISBURYIt would have been very improper if I had asked this Question of the noble Earl. But I thought that if such large issues were depending upon a map coming from the Frontier of Afghanistan, the noble Earl might perhaps have heard something about it.
THE EARL OF KIMBERLEYThe noble Marquess refers to some statement that has been made in the other House. I do not know what that statement is. That is my reason for not giving an answer to the noble Marquess.