asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether a young man named Harker is now occupying a position under the British Minister at The Hague; whether, before the War, his proper name was Haar-bleicher, which was subsequently changed to Harker; and whether he can state the special qualifications of this man for the position he now holds?

The hon. Member, no doubt, refers to Lieutenant J. F. Harker, of the Machine Gun Corps. He has been lent by the Army to the Foreign Office while he is unfit for general service. This gallant officer, who enlisted at the outbreak of war, and subsequently obtained a commission, and served for some time in France, is temporarily employed in a subordinate capacity at The Hague, where he is carrying out his work to the entire satisfaction of His Majesty's Minister.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he can state whether a British Controller has been appointed over the Deutsche Orient Bank in Egypt, and, if so, who, and at what date; and whether the bank has been finally wound up and its premises sold?

Mr. R. E. Moore, resident partner in Egypt of the firm of Messrs. Price, Waterhouse and Peat, was appointed Controller in November, 1914. The liquidation of the bank is nearly, if not quite, complete. I understand that the premises have not been sold.

Does he propose to sell them?

I am afraid I cannot answer that question offhand, but I should be very glad to show to my hon. Friend a lengthy report on the subject which we have received.