§ LORD JOHN MANNERSasked the First Lord of the Treasury, Whether it is true that the French Government have announced their intention to adhere to the system of specific Duties as the basis for negotiating a Commercial Treaty with this Country; and, if so, whether Majesty's Government propose to accept that basis?
MR. GLADSTONESir, I understand the French Government have repeatedly stated that they insist on the principle of specific duties. This principle in itself does not meet in limine as a principle with objection from the British Government; because it is conceivable that in many cases specific duties may be levied so as to represent and correspond very fairly to the value; but I am bound to add that in these cases those who represent the British Government are under the impression that if specific duties be thus broadly insisted upon, they will raise most formidable difficulties in the way of a settlement, which our negotiators do not at present see their way to surmount.