§ Dr. Bowringsaid, it was in the recollection of the House, that during last Session it was resolved that measures should be taken to modify the quarantine system, and that such steps should be adopted as would lessen the grievances which the commercial world laboured under, both at home and abroad. Now, he wished to ask the right hon. Baronet what had been done to carry out the wish of the House on that subject?
§ Sir George Clerksaid, in reply to the hon. Gentleman, he should beg leave to refer him to the statement made by his right hon. Friend the late President of the Board of Trade at the time the subject was formerly before the House. His right hon. Friend had at that time informed the House that Her Majesty's Government had entered into negotiations both with the Governments of France and of Austria for the purpose of inducing them to make such relaxations in their quarantine laws as would be most advantageous to the commercial interests of their respective countries. On the part of France he believed no objection had been offered; but the Government of Austria wished in the first instance to have a Report on the subject from medical officers appointed by themselves. So reasonable a proposition could not be objected to; but as yet no final reply had been received from the Austrian Government on the subject.