MR. MAC IVERasked the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, If his attention has been called to the following statement, which appears in The British Trade Journal—namely—
By the Commercial Treaty recently concluded between Spain and the United States, the latter Country has obtained the removal of the differential Duties levied on cargoes conveyed to the Spanish, West Indies in vessels flying flags other than those of Spain or her Colonies. These Duties are still in force against British vessels, and the Spanish Government has skilfully avoided the request for similar treatment for British vessels, by politely asking what concessions Her Majesty would confer on Spain in return for this advantage;and, whether, if the circumstances are as described, Her Majesty's Government intend taking such steps as may be necessary for the protection of British interests?
§ LORD EDMOND FITZMAURICEThe hon. Member will learn from the Parliamentary Papers numbered "Commercial, 10 and 23, 1884," the present position of commercial negotiations between Great Britain and Spain. The latter Paper was distributed yesterday.