§ MR. SERJEANT SIMONasked the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, Whether there is any likelihood of a settlement of the claims against the Spanish Government arising out of the seizure of the "Lark" and the "Octavia"; and, whether there is any objection to laying the Correspondence in both cases upon the Table of the House?
§ MR. BOURKEThe Spanish Government has adhered to its refusal to give compensation in the case of the Lark; and, in view of the conflicting nature of the evidence in the case, Her Majesty's Government do not feel justified in pressing the claim any further. I have no objection to lay the Papers on the Table, except that they are very voluminous. If any hon. Members wish to see them they are quite at their disposal. With regard to the Octavia, Her Majesty's Government have reason to hope that a satisfactory solution will be arrived at between the two Governments; but, as the matter is still under discussion, I 1317 do not think it would be desirable to present Papers to Parliament at present upon this subject.