HC Deb 14 April 1885 vol 296 c1627
MR. CARTWRIGHT

asked the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, When the Commercial 'Modus Vivendi' negotiated with Spain will come into operation?

LORD EDMOND FITZMAURICE

By the Declaration of December 21,1884, the Spanish Government engaged, subject to the approval of the Spanish Legislature, to grant most favoured nation treatment to Great Britain as soon as Parliament shall have given to Her Majesty's Government the necessary authority to extend the lower half of the alcoholic scale from 26 degrees to 30 degrees. The Spanish Bill passed the Cortes on the 28th ultimo. The date when the contemplated arrangement will take effect will be settled between the two Governments as soon as Parliament has given the authority, and due notice will be given.