§ MR. BIRLEYsaid, he wished to ask the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, Whether our Ambassador in Paris has received instructions to make any representations to the French Go- 830 vernment concerning the revision of the Commercial Treaty between Great Britain and France, for the mutual interest of the two Countries; and, if so, whether there is any objection to stating the nature of such representations?
MR. OTWAYreplied, that no representations had been made to the French Government against an inquiry being instituted into the operation of the commercial treaty between the two countries. Such an inquiry was a matter entirely within the discretion of the French Government. The French Government had, however, been informed that we were ready, if invited, to supply a Committee on the subject with oral or written evidence, if they should require it. Lord Lyons, our Ambassador at Paris, had also been made acquainted with the views of the Government on the matter; but it was not expedient that the instructions given to him should be stated at present.