HC Deb 02 June 1890 vol 344 cc1759-60
MR. J. MORLEY

I wish to ask the Under Secretary to the Colonies whether the Government propose to lay speedily before the House the Papers relating to Newfoundland? No Papers have been laid before Parliament in connection with the subject since the mission of my right hon. Friend the Member for Birmingham (Mr. Chamberlain), and, considering the state at which the question has arrived, it is important that the House should have information with regard to it.

*THE UNDER SECRETARY OF STATE FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS (Sir J. FERGUSSON,) Manchester, N.E.

I am able to answer the right hon. Gentleman's question at once. The Papers are being prepared with all possible despatch. I inquired this afternoon, and I understand that the Papers will be in the hands of hon. Members next week.

MR. STAVELEY HILL (Staffordshire, Kingswinford)

When may Papers be expected with respect to Behrings Sea?

*SIR J. FERGUSSON

I cannot promise Papers at present, because, as my hon. and learned Friend is aware, negotiations are still in progress with respect to this matter, and until they are completed it will be impossible to lay the record of the proceedings before Parliament.

MR. S. HILL

Were not the negotiations closed when Sir Charles Tupper retired from Washington?

*SIR J. FERGUSSON

No; I think I have already stated that.

*MR. GOURLEY

Is the report correct that a body of French marines have been landed in Newfoundland, and that the English Government have ordered a war vessel to proceed to those parts which are now considered to be disturbed?

*SIR J. FERGUSSON

Her Majesty's Government have no information of any such events, and I am able to state that the French Government also have no such information. I believe that until some arrangement has been arrived at we may expect that the officers of both countries will maintain a conciliatory attitude.

*MR. GOURLEY

Then we may take it that the reports of the landing of the French troops and the sending of an English cruiser are inaccurate?

*SIR J. FERGUSSON

I have every reason to believe they are incorrect, because it is most probable that if any such occurrences had taken place intelligence would have reached one of the two Governments.