§ VISCOUNT PALMERSTONsaid, that in the course of the speech of the hon. Member for Dorsetshire (Mr. Bankes) last night, that hon. Gentleman asked if the tariffs of Spain and of Portugal had been presented? In reply, he (Viscount Palmerston) begged to say, that they were presented in March last, and printed. The hon. Gentleman also asked whether any recent alteration had taken place in the tariff of Brazil? He (Viscount Palmerston) understood that an alteration had been ordered; but it was not to take effect until the 1st of January, 1850.
§ MR. BRIGHTwished to know if the prospective operation of that alteration of the tariff of Brazil had reference to any alteration expected in the legislation of this House, or in the course which the British Government might take with regard to Brazil? He alluded especially to a Bill which was passed here in 1845, giving authority to English ships to seize Brazilian vessels which might be engaged in the slave trade. The postponement to 1850 seemed to be rather a lengthened postponement, and he wished to know if the Government understood it to have reference to any alteration of our policy which might be decided upon with respect to Brazil?
§ VISCOUNT PALMERSTONSpeaking from recollection, I should say certainly not.
§ MR. URQUHARTasked the Foreign Secretary if he would lay on the table of the House the papers connected with the now concluded negotiations which led to the presence, in the course of last year, of a British squadron in the Bay of Naples.
§ VISCOUNT PALMERSTONwould do so at the proper time.
§ MR. URQUHARTwished to know when that time would be?
§ VISCOUNT PALMERSTONcould not say.