HC Deb 29 April 1875 vol 223 cc1821-2
MR. A. M'ARTHUR

asked the Under Secretary of State for the Colonies, Whether, pending the negotiations for the settlement of the French claims to a monopoly of fishing rights on the coasts of Newfoundland, Her Majesty's Government has arranged with the French Government that its cruisers shall not seize the nets of British fishermen, or other wise interfere with them in the exercise of their lawful occupation?

MR. J. LOWTHER

The French Government has instructed its officers commanding vessels on the coasts of Newfoundland to abstain from all forcible action, with a view to any difficulties which may arise being referred to and settled by the Mixed Commission appointed by the French and English Governments for this purpose.