§ MR. SPEAKERhaving called upon Mr. OARBUTT, who had given Notice to ask Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer, Whether he can state the number of British ships or British tonnage going through the Suez Canal in ballast; and, whether the reduction of 21- francs per ton on ships in ballast will apply to ships carrying coal, that is to say, will the Suez Canal Company allow ships, under the new arrangement, to ballast with coal?
MR. GLADSTONE saidI would suggest to hon. Members who have Questions on the Paper relating to the details of the Suez Canal arrangements 129 that it would probably be to their convenience, and to the convenience of the House, if they postponed all these Questions until I have had an opportunity of making the statement which I wish to make to the House.