§ MR. ANDERSONasked the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, Whether Her Majesty's Government have had under consideration the circumstances of a collision between the British steamer "City of Mecca," and the Portuguese steamer "Insulano," and the decision of the Portuguese Courts in the case which appears to be in violation of the International rules of the road, adopted by Portugal in 1863, notwithstanding that the Portuguese Government have, by a declaration of the King, dated 3rd July 1877, affirmed that there is no room for doubt that the meaning of the rule in Portugal is identical with the British meaning; and, what steps the Government propose to take to obtain redress for the owners of the "City of Mecca?"
§ MR. BOURKE, in reply, said, the question had been before Her Majesty's Government for a long time, and it had 675 now entered on a new phase. Papers had been sent to the Law Officers of the Crown, and when the Government had read their Report they would consider what steps it was their duty to take.
§ MR. ANDERSONWill that Report be in the hands of Her Majesty's Government before the Prorogation of Parliament?
§ MR. BOURKENO.