§ MR. AKROYDsaid, he would beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, If any communications have been received from the Portuguese or Spanish Governments, making overtures for the negotiation of a Treaty of Commerce with one or other of those Countries, offering a reduction of the Tariffs on the importation of British Goods, provided some reciprocal advantages be given for the importation of Spanish and Portuguese Wines; and, if so, if he will lay such Correspondence upon the Table of the House?
MR. OTWAYCommunications have been received from the Spanish and Portuguese Governments of the character described by my hon. Friend, and it is unnecessary to say that Her Majesty's Government are anxious to improve our commercial relations with both countries. These communications are being considered by the Government, and, therefore, I am unable at present to lay the Papers relating to them on the table.