HC Deb 24 July 1862 vol 168 cc737-8
MR. W. E. FORSTER

said, he rose to ask the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, If he can inform the House whether the Government has succeeded in negotiating a Commercial Treaty with Belgium; and if so, on what terms; also, whether any steps have been taken towards negotiating a Commercial Treaty with Italy?

MR. LAYARD

Sir, I am happy to inform the hon. Gentleman that the Treaty with Belgium was signed yesterday. The Treaty is not ratified, and, of course, I am unable to lay it on the table of the House until it is ratified. With respect to the latter question, we expect shortly to enter into negotiations at Turin.