§ SIR R. ASSHETON CROSSasked the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, Whether it is true, as stated, that the Suez Canal Commission has commenced the discussion of the French proposal for intrusting an international body, similar to the Danube Commission, with the control and supervision of the free navigation of the Canal; and, if so, whether such a proposition falls within the basis laid down in Lord Granville's Despatch?
§ LORD EDMOND FITZMAURICEA similar Question to this was put to me yesterday, and I can only repeat that I am not at liberty to give information at present as to the proceedings of the Commission.
§ SIR R. ASSHETON CROSSWill the noble Lord say whether the gentleman who is attending on behalf of this country at the Conference has instructions to confine the discussion to the basis laid down in Lord Granville's despatch; and also when it is likely that the sittings of the Commission will terminate?
§ LORD EDMOND FITZMAURICEI do not think it will be desirable that I should at this stage enter into the proceedings and the instructions to the Commissioners who represent Her Majesty's Government at the Conference, nor can I name with any degree of precision the date at which the proceedings will be concluded.
§ SIR R. ASSHETON CROSSAre we to understand that the basis laid down in Lord Granville's despatch do not form the actual grounds which the Government now take?
§ LORD EDMOND FITZMAURICEI withdraw no statements which were made by the Prime Minister in the course of the debate on this subject.
§ SIR R. ASSHETON CROSSThere is one Question. Can they go beyond these bases or can they not? The Question requires an answer—"Yes" or "No." Are they to be confined to the bases laid down in Lord Granville's de- 23 spatch, or are they at liberty to go beyond them?
§ LORD EDMOND FITZMAURICEThe right hon. Gentleman is attempting, by what may be called a method of Parliamentary cross-examination, to elicit from me the very answer which, with all respect to the right hon. Gentleman and to the House, I have already stated it is not in my power to give.
§ SIR E. ASSHETON CROSSI will ask the Question on Monday of the Prime Minister.
§ MR. PULESTONI wish to ask whether Questions arising in the discussion before the Commission are referred to the Foreign Office before they are acted upon by the Commissioner?
§ LORD EDMOND FITZMAURICEThere are the usual methods of communication which always exist between Commissioners and Plenipotentiaries and the Foreign Office.