§ SIR R. ASSHETON CROSSasked the First Lord of the Treasury, Whether the English Representatives at the Suez Canal Commission have been instructed to limit their assent to Propositions falling within the basis laid down 149 in Lord Granville's Despatch, and to abstain from taking part in the discussion of any Proposition which does not fall within such basis?
MR. GLADSTONEThere has been no such direction as is implied in this Question. It would be extremely difficult to say what regulations are beyond the basis that is laid down. The state of the case is this. Proposals may, of course, be made by the Representatives of the Powers at Paris. Nothing will be assented to by the British Representative if it appears to be, what I think the right hon. Gentleman means, beyond that basis. In no case will that be assented to without reference home, and I think the right hon. Gentleman will agree with me that this question is really deprived of all difficulty in present circumstances by the engagement into which the Government has freely entered, that the House shall have full opportunity of considering the provisions of any arrangement which may be made before it becomes binding.