§ SIR ROBERT PEELasked the First Lord of the Treasury, Whether the Belgian Government has officially addressed the British Government on the subject of the Universal Exhibition, Antwerp, 1885; and, if so, whether the British Government propose to constitute a Commission or Committee, as in the case of previous foreign exhibitions, to represent British interests on that important occasion?
§ LORD EDMOND FITZMAURICESir, the Exhibition appears to be promoted by certain influential inhabitants of Antwerp, and not by the Belgian Government. The Belgian Minister at this Court announced that this Exhibition would be held; and the communication was referred, in the usual course, to the Treasury, who considered that no sufficient reason was shown for Her Majesty's Government to incur the expense of taking part in the undertaking, and an answer to this effect has been returned to Baron Solvyns. The Colonial and India Offices have, however, been informed, in case the Government of any British possession should wish to take part.
§ SIR ROBERT PEELasked, if there had been any official communications?
§ LORD EDMOND FITZMAURICEsaid, there had been none.