MR. MAC IVERasked the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, Whether there is any foundation for the rumour telegraphed yesterday by The Central News from Paris, that M. Waddington is in this Country for the pur 1606 pose of negotiating a Commercial Treaty; and, whether Her Majesty's Government will pledge itself that no engagement shall be entered into without the consent of this House of a character to bind this Country to the continued importation, free of duty, of manufactured articles of luxury which compete with those of our own home industries, that are already in a depressed condition?
§ LORD EDMOND FITZMAURICEIt is, of course, true that M. Wadding-ton is in this country, as he is the French Ambassador; but as no negotiations for a Commercial Treaty are now proceeding with France, it is not necessary that I should enter into further details.