§ MR. MACIVERasked the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, Whether, notwithstanding the "most favoured nation treatment" mentioned in paragraph 7 of the Protocol of Agreement between the Governments of Great Britain and Spain (Commercial, No. 5, 1884), British ships would, if that Agreement were ratified, remain at a disadvantage as compared with Spanish ships, such as practically to exclude them from the business of carrying manufactured goods from this Country to Spain; if Her Majesty's Government have taken, or, now that their attention has been called to the subject, are taking or intend to take any steps with a view to obtaining equal treatment for British ships as for Spanish ships in the ports of Spain; and, whether the further Papers which are promised with regard to our commercial relations with Spain specifically relate to the subject of equal treatment for British as for Spanish ships in the ports of Spain?
§ LORD EDMOND FITZMAURICESir, I have already twice informed the hon. Member that Article 7 of the Agreement, which is on the Table of the House, accords "most favoured nation treatment" in all matters relating to trade and navigation. The hon. Member must be aware that this is not the same as national treatment, but the Mixed Commission will have authority to hear the representations of shipowners before a definitive Treaty is concluded.