§ MR. MONKasked the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, Whether he is able to confirm the statements which have appeared in the public Press respecting the negotiation of a Treaty of Commerce with Italy for a term of years?
§ LORD EDMOND FITZMAURICEThe terms of a new Treaty of Commerce and Navigation between Great Britain and Italy have been agreed upon, and the Treaty will be signed forthwith. It will closely resemble the Treaty now in force, which expires on the 30th instant; and its general effect will be to secure to Great Britain absolute and unconditional "most favoured nation" treatment. The coasting trade in Italy will, however, be no longer guaranteed to British subjects on the same terms as to Natives. The Treaty will contain a stipulation reserving the power to the self-governing British Colonies to accede to the Treaty in case they desire to do so; and a separate Instrument will be signed agreeing to refer to arbitration any questions arising under the new Treaty, which cannot be settled by correspondence between the two Governments. The Treaty will not be terminable, at the earliest, until the 1st of January, 1888, and, unless then denounced, will remain in force until 1892.