§ MR. GOURLEY (Sunderland)asked the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, Whether there is any truth in the statement that the Canadian Government is negotiating for the purchase of armed cruisers for the purpose of enforcing the Anglo-American Fisheries Convention of 1818, as interpreted by the Dominion Government; and, if so, whether the proposed proceedings have the sanction of Her Majesty's Government?
§ THE UNDER SECRETARY OF STATE (Sir JAMES FERGUSSON) (Manchester, N. E.)I only saw the Question on entering the House, and I beg to submit to the House that a somewhat longer Notice of such Questions should be given than oven one night. No information on the subject had reached the Foreign Office; and the Secretary of State for the Colonies informs me that he has not heard of it. I may add that the purchase of cruisers is a matter within the discretion of the Canadian Government.
§ SIR GEORGE CAMPBELL (Kirkcaldy, &c.)asked, If they were to understand that the Canadian Government 1154 had power to set up armed cruisers without the sanction of Her Majesty's Government?
§ SIR JAMES FERGUSSONasked Notice of the Question.