HC Deb 18 July 1881 vol 263 cc1121-2
CAPTAIN AYLMER

asked the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, What is the present position of the question between this Country and France as to the west shore of Newfoundland; and, if the statement in the "Standard" is correct that the French Commandant on the Coast expressed his approval of the conduct of the residents there in resisting the officials of the Newfoundland Government in the execution of their duty?

SIR CHARLES W. DILKE

Sir, a Commission consisting of Admiral Pierre, representing the French Government, and Admiral Miller, representing Her Majesty's Government, is now sitting in London for the consideration of the questions which require settlement in connection with the French rights of fishery on the coast of Newfoundland. The French Commandant appears to have expressed the opinion that the residents in St. George's Bay are not liable to the payment of Customs duties to the Newfoundland Government. Explanations have been asked for, and it is not yet possible to state precisely what has occurred.

CAPTAIN AYLMER

asked when it was likely that Papers on the subject would be laid on the Table?

SIR CHARLES W. DILKE

said, that the Commission had been now sitting for three months, and he did not know when its labours would be concluded. He was not, therefore, in a position to give an answer to the Question.