MR. HEADLAMsaid, he wished to ask the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, What has been the result of the proceedings with the authorities of Spain concerning the destruction of the ship "Mermaid? "
MR. OTWAY, in reply, said, he was glad to be able to inform his right hon. Friend that the proceedings in regard to the ship Mermaid were now terminated, and that the result was satisfactory. The labours of the Commission appointed to investigate the matter were interrupted by those occurrences in Spain 1660 with which, the House were doubtless familiar, but when order was restored at Cadiz the Commission renewed their inquiry, which terminated on the 28th of February. The result was entirely in favour of the plaintiffs, who were to receive the sum of £3,866 10s. 11d., and it was stipulated between the British and Spanish Governments that that sum should become payable within ninety days from the 28th of February. The decision, he believed, was considered satisfactory by the plaintiffs themselves.