MR. MAC IVERasked the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, If it is true that, notwithstanding the "most favoured nation Clause" in our Commercial Treaties, Spain has placed British manufactures at a disadvantage as compared with those of other nations; whether British steamers trading from the Port of Burriana in Spain are placed at special disadvantage as compared with coasting steamers of other nations, and if any remonstrance from Liverpool has recently been addressed to the Foreign Office on the subject; and, if Her Ma- 1604 jesty's Government have any reason to think that Spain is harassing British trade in the hope of getting the Duties upon Spanish wines reduced?
§ SIR CHARLES W. DILKEThere are no Treaty stipulations securing "most favoured nation" treatment to British goods in Spain. The Correspondence laid before Parliament in 1878 on commercial relations with Spain shows the grounds on which the Spanish Government declined to extend to Great Britain the benefits of certain reductions in their tariff made in the previous year. Her Majesty's Government are well aware of the disadvantages under which British trade with Spain now suffers, and they trust that means may soon be found to put an end to a condition of things which is so detrimental to the interests of both countries. As regards the port of Burriana, a representation has been received from Liverpool, and Her Majesty's Minister at Madrid has been instructed to inquire and report upon the subject.
MR. MAC IVERsaid, that in consequence of the hon. Baronet's reply he would on an early day move—
That, in the opinion of the House, it was unwise and inexpedient to reduce the duties on alcoholic liquors from Spain in such a manner as to convey the impression that it was done to prevent Spain harassing British, trade.