§ MR. E. STANHOPEasked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, Whether the Belgian Government have recently proposed that a Conference should be held on the subject of Sugar Bounties; what answer has been given by Her Majesty's Government; and 1834 whether he can lay any Papers upon the Table on this subject?
§ LORD EDMOND FITZMAURICEAn invitation to attend this proposed Conference was conveyed to Her Majesty's Government in December last by the Belgian Minister. Baron Solvyns was informed, in reply, that, in the opinion of Her Majesty's Government, any active steps for the relief of the sugar industry must be taken by the countries whose duties and bounties have placed this industry in an artificial position. Her Majesty's Government, before accepting the invitation, wished to know whether the Governments of the countries which grant bounties had expressed their intention of being represented at the proposed Conference. An answer was shortly afterwards received to the effect that the proposal was postponed. I will consult the President of the Board of Trade, whose Department deals with the general question, as to the presentation of the Papers on the subject to Parliament.