HC Deb 06 March 1884 vol 285 cc669-71
SIR H. DRUMMOND WOLFE

asked the First Lord of the Treasury, Whether the assent given by Her Majesty's Government to the arrangements in respect of the Suez Canal, arrived at between M. de Lesseps and the Representatives of certain large Shipowning Companies is final and conclusive; and, whether it is still competent for Her Majesty's Government at any time to re-open the question either with respect to the dimensions, regulation, and administration of the Canal, or the tariff of rates charged for the transit?

THE CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUER (Mr. CHILDERS)

My right hon. Friend the Prime Minister has asked me to answer this Question. Her Majesty's Government, both in their capacity as having the general charge of the interests of this country and as the largest shareholder in the Canal Company, consider the agreement with the Association as a satisfactory solution of the differences which have arisen between the Company and their customers. Of course, Her Majesty's Government cannot affirm that further questions may not possibly hereafter arise as to the dimensions of the Canal or as to its working; but they have no reason to anticipate any difficulties in this respect. Should any such question arise requiring their consideration, it will be for Her Majesty's Government to give it due attention.

SIR H. DRUMMOND WOLFF

I wish to ask the right hon. Gentleman how far the circumstance of Lord Granville having given his assent to this arrangement on the 15th of January was consistent with the words of the right hon. Gentleman the Prime Minister in August last, given in answer to a Question put by the right hon. Baronet at the head of the Opposition, when he said that it might be taken for granted that in any arrangement which was made the interests of this country and the authority of Parliament would be carefully borne in mind? I wish to know how he can reconcile those words with the fact that on the 15th of January, or nearly a month before Parliament met, Lord Granville sanctioned this arrangement?

THE CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUER (Mr. CHILDERS)

I think a Question of that kind, which the hon. Member evidently had in his pocket, and with a copy of Hansard in his hand, might well have been put on the Paper. As the Question has been put, I do not wish that any misconception should arise; and I will say this—that what Lord Granville said last year was, that no agreement should be made with the Canal Company without its being laid before Parliament, or words to that effect. What has happened is that an arrangement has been made between the Canal Company and an Association of Shipowners; and all that Her Majesty's Government have said is that they deem that a satisfactory and wise arrangement.

SIR H. DRUMMOND WOLFF

It was not Lord Granville, but the Prime Minister, who made use of the words I have quoted. I read them from Hansard, because I anticipated a shuffling answer from the Government. ["Oh, oh!"]

MR. SPEAKER

I must say that the last expression of the hon. Member is scarcely Parliamentary.

SIR H. DRUMMOND WOLFF

Then, Sir, I beg to withdraw the word "shuffling."

MR. BOURKE

Perhaps the Chancellor of the Exchequer will state to the House whether or not it is a fact that when the agreement between the shipowners and M. de Lesseps was made, M. de Lesseps refused to sanction that agreement until it had been sent to Her Majesty's Government?

THE CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUER (Mr. CHILDERS)

I have no knowledge of that matter; but if the right hon. Gentleman will address a Question on the subject to the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, I have no doubt he will get an answer.