§ Sir W. Smilesasked the Prime Minister whether the Pearl River, closed to com- 2472W mercial traffic since 13th October, has yet been reopened to British shipping; and, if not, what further steps he proposes to take to secure the reopening of commercial communications with Canton and to protect British trade in this area?
§ Mr. ButlerNo, Sir, but His Majesty's Government are taking all possible steps to secure the reopening of the river at as early a date as possible.