HC Deb 24 February 1860 vol 156 c1725
MR. HORSMAN

I have a Question to put to the noble Lord at the head of the Government, with respect to the Treaty of Commerce with France. [Sir GEORGE GREY: He has already spoken.] Well, then, I will give notice of my Question, in order that the noble Lord may be able to answer it on Monday. It is this—We have seen it stated in some of the sources of information, which, though not authoritative, usually supply pretty authentic information, that Her Majesty's Ministers have been in communication with the French Government with respect to a modification of the 11th Article of the Treaty—namely, that relating to coal. I myself brought that article under the notice of the House, and it is my intention to move an Amendment on the Motion for an Address—of course, not an Amendment for the purpose of setting aside the Treaty—but an Amendment praying Her Majesty to request the consent of the Emperor of the French to the omission of the 11th Article of the Treaty. But it would be satisfactory to know whether there is any truth in the report that Her Majesty's Ministers have been in communication with the French Government for the object so stated. I shall therefore put a question to the noble Lord on Monday.

House at rising to adjourn till Monday next.