§ SIR MICHAEL HICKS-BEACHI wish to ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer a Question with reference to the Customs Bill, the second reading of which is down for to-night—namely, Whether we are distinctly to understand that the raising of the standard of Spanish wines from 26 to 30 degrees will depend upon the confirmation by the Cortes of the Commercial Treaty with Spain?
§ THE CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUER (Sir WILLIAM HARCOURT) (Derby)Yes, Sir; most certainly that is the case. The Treasury, as the right hon. Gentleman knows, parts with money very reluctantly, and the Government would only part with the benefit they receive from the Wine Duties at present levied in consideration of the advantage to British manufacturers. The Commercial Treaty will also be a benefit to many of our Colonies.