§ SIR R. ASSHETON CROSSI beg to ask the right hon. and learned Gentleman the Home Secretary, or if more convenient I will postpone the Question until Thursday, Whether there is any truth in the report that the French Government has made a claim to any of the smaller Islands in the neighbourhood of Jersey; and, if so, whether the inhabitants of the Channel Islands have made any representation on the subject; and, in case they have done so, what action the Government will take in the matter?
§ SIR WILLIAM HARCOURTThe inhabitants of Jersey have made a representation on this subject, which was entertained this afternoon by the Lords of the Privy Council, who informed the representatives of the inhabitants that the matter was under consideration, and that on an early day a reply would be given.
§ SIR R. ASSHETON CROSSasked whether the Home Secretary could say what the actual claim was?
§ SIR WILLIAM HARCOURTThe real complaint was that the French fishermen had invaded the exclusive privileges of Jersey and its appendages. That matter is being carefully considered, and an answer on an early day will be given.
§ MR. CALLANMight I ask whether the French have not as equal right to these Islands as the English have to Egypt?