§ Mr. HAROLD SMITHasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether His Majesty's Government is offering to grant new leases in Canton on the basis of not only the value of the land but also of the property erected thereon; and, if so, whether the interests of present lot holders will be protected, and particularly of those who, having purchased Crown leases for a long term at a stipulated rental, have erected valuable buildings on the land thus leased?
§ Sir E. GREYSo far, His Majesty's Government are making no offer to grant new leases, either at Canton or in other British Concessions in China. An official from the Foreign Office has been dispatched to China especially to gather information and report on the question of2336W leases in the British Concessions, after discussion with His Majesty's Minister and Consular officers on the subject. No decision shall be come to in the matter until his report has been received and considered.