§ MR. MAGNIACasked the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, Whether an arrangement has been entered into with the Government of the Netherlands for the cession by it to Great Britain of the Dutch possessions on the Coast of Guinea; and, if so, whether the arrangement is subject to the consent of Parliament before the purchase money is paid?
§ VISCOUNT ENFIELDSir, a Convention has been signed, but not yet ratified, by the Dutch Chambers, by the terms of which the forts now occupied by the Dutch on the Coast of Guinea adjoining the British settlement are to be ceded to Great Britain. There is no question of purchase of territory, and such expenses as may be incurred on account of the transfer of stores and fixtures will not fall on the Imperial revenues, but will be borne by the revenues of the British settlement.
§ MR. BAILLIE COCHRANEasked whether the arrangement was to be carried into effect without the previous consent of Parliament?
§ VISCOUNT ENFIELDsaid, he was of opinion that it would not be necessary to ask the consent of Parliament, inasmuch as the money was to come out of local and not Imperial revenue.