HC Deb 26 February 1840 vol 52 c651
Viscount Sandon

saw by the public papers that a report had reached this country, that a new treaty of commerce was made or about to be made with Naples, and that the abolition of the sulphur contract had been agreed upon. As that report had occasioned some anxiety amongst commercial men, he wished to know from the noble Lord whether it was true.

Viscount Palmerston

expressed his regret that it was not in his power to confirm the report in all respects. It was quite true that negotiations with Naples were pending, but that the sulphur monopoly was abolished was unfortunately not true. Regarding that monopoly as a violation of the existing treaty, it was greatly hoped that they should very soon hear of its abolition.