THE EARL OF KIMBERLEYMy Lords, I desire to ask the noble Marquess the Prime Minister a question of which I have given him private notice—namely, whether it is his intention to lay upon the Table of the House any Papers relating to Chinese affairs, and, if so, whether they are likely to be presented soon.
§ THE PRIME MINISTER AND SECRETARY OF STATE FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS (The Marquess of SALISBURY)In reply to the noble Earl, I have to say that the Papers in regard to Chinese affairs are in an advanced state of preparation, but that, as they involve communications with other European Powers, a certain amount of reference is necessary before they can be laid upon the Table of the House. I hope, however, the delay will not be very long, and that they will be laid on the Table in a few days.