THE MARQUESS OF HARTINGTONasked Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer, Whether it is true that Colonel Stokes and M. de Lesseps have signed the final documents relating to the modification of the Suez Canal dues; and, whether that modification has been approved by the Khedive, the Porte, and the Maritime Powers?
§ THE CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUERI have already informed the House that communications have been going on between Colonel Stokes and M. de Lesseps on the subject mentioned. Of course, no modifications of the dues of the Suez Canal that might be agreed upon could be adopted until they had been considered and approved by the Khedive, the Porte, and the Maritime Powers who were parties to the Conference. The proceedings between Colonel Stokes and M. de Lesseps have made very satisfactory progress; but as Colonel Stokes is expected soon to return to this country, it would be better not to enter more fully into the subject at present.