HC Deb 26 January 1886 vol 302 cc420-1
MR. PALMER

asked the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, Whether this Government is negotiating a Treaty of Commerce with the Spanish Government so as to place the imports from this Country under the most favoured nation clause?

THE UNDER SECRETARY OF STATE (Mr. BOUEKE)

When Sir Clare Ford proceeded to Madrid he was requested to give early attention to the subject of the unsatisfactory position of the commercial relations between this country and Spain. Preliminary communications have taken place between him and the Spanish Ministers; but the new Spanish Ministry does not appear to be ready as yet to enter upon commercial negotiations. The hon. Member may be assured that this question will continue to receive the best attention both of the Foreign Office and of Her Majesty's Legation at Madrid.

MR. TOMLINSON

said, he desired to know whether it was the intention of Her Majesty's Government to include in these negotiations the commercial relations between this country and the Spanish Colonies?

MR. BOURKE

Yes, Sir.