COLONEL SYKESsaid, he would beg to ask the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, Whether, in view of the expected modifications in the Treaty of Tien-tsin this year, an opportunity will be afforded to Members of the House to consider any changes before they are finally adopted?
LORD STANLEYsaid, in reply, that there was no absolute necessity for modifying the Treaty this year; and he could only state in reply to the hon. and gallant Gentleman, that he had no power to depart from the constitutional practice under which Treaties were made upon the re- 1148 sponsibility of the Executive Government. He was in communication with various Chambers of Commerce, and undoubtedly any observations which any hon. Member might have to make on the subject would meet with due attention.
§ In answer to MR. LAYARD,the noble Lord said the Treaty would not be renewed without some modification.