MR. HEYGATEsaid, he wished to ask the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, What progress has been made in the negotiations for the long-promised Commercial Treaty between Belgium and this country?
§ MR. LAYARDsaid, he had been obliged to ask the indulgence of hon. Members before upon this subject, and he was afraid he should have to do so on the present occasion also. Her Majesty's Government were most desirous to bring the matter to a successful conclusion, but they could not consent to give any details on the subject while the affair was still pending. M. Rogier, the Belgian Minister, who took a deep interest in the subject, was now in this country, and was engaged in negotiations which he hoped would be brought to a favourable termination.