§ Mr. W. HOLMSasked the First Lord of the Treasury, Whether, having regard to the fact that negotiations are about to begin with a view to making a new Commercial Treaty with France, which will effect some of the most important industries of this Country, he will be so good as to relieve the anxiety which is felt in connection with this question by giving an assurance that no Commercial Treaty will be concluded with France till it has been submitted to and approved of by Parliament?
MR. GLADSTONEThe Question my hon. Friend asks me is whether we will give an assurance that no Commercial Treaty will be concluded till it has been submitted to and approved of by Parliament? That pledge has never 962 been given in any case by any Government with regard to any Treaty. I could not give that pledge. It would involve a fundamental alteration as to the mode of carrying on the Business of the country. I have, however, already formally conveyed to an hon. Member who takes an interest in the matter an assurance that he need entertain no anxiety on this subject. There is every security that there can be—in this case very special security—that no steps will be taken except in the light of day, and within the full knowledge of the commercial community, as well as of Parliament; and I think that when my hon. Friend the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs proceeds to present to Parliament information with regard to the arrangements for carrying on the negotiations, it will be seen that no apprehension need be entertained.