§ MR. CHARLES PALMERasked the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, What progress has been made in the negotiations with the French Government on the question of Brokerage on Shipping?
§ LORD EDMOND FITZMAURICESir, Lord Lyons has been instructed to make a further representation to the French Government, inviting them to bring the French law respecting the rights and duties of shipbrokers officially to the knowledge of their Customs authorities, to adopt the Havre scale of fees as maximum rates, to provide for a favourable treatment of vessels in distress, and to take measures to prevent partnerships among the brokers, and such other abuses as may be shown to exist. The various Associations interested in the matter have been informed of the action about to be taken, and have been told that if they think fit to send any duly authorized persons to Paris to put forward their views, Mr. Crowe, the Commercial Attaché to Her Majesty's Embassy, will be instructed to place himself in communication with them, with the view of obtaining their 33 advice in his dealings with the proper French authorities.