§ MR. SEYMOUR FITZGERALDSir, at the commencement of the Session a question was asked by an hon. Gentleman, whether the Board of Trade were in possession of a proposed Treaty between Austria and the Zollverein; and the answer was, that the Board of Trade were not in possession of such Treaty. I have 1459 reason to know that some of the Chambers of Commerce have been in possession of that Treaty for the last six weeks, and I wish to know, Whether the Board of Trade are now in possession of the draft of a Commercial Treaty between Austria and the Zollverein; secondly, whether the Board of Trade have entered into communication with Chambers of Commerce in this country as to the articles to be affected by the new tariff; and thirdly, whether the Government have taken any steps to protect British interests that may be affected by the new arrangements?
MR. MILNER, GIBSONThe Board of Trade, Sir, are in possession of a project of tariff which is said to be under consideration by the Austrian Government and the Zollverein. Whether it will be subsequently agreed to, I, of course, cannot say. But Her Majesty's Government have not taken any steps with regard to the negotiations which appear to be going on between Austria and the Zollverein, as British interests are not directly concerned. But should the opportunity arise of asking for any inquiry with a view to the protection of British interests, such inquiry will be made. At present no such step has been taken, but the project of tariff is in our possession.