§ SIR W. LAWSON (Cumberland, Cockermouth)I beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, whether there is any prospect of a settle- 1587 ment of the dispute with Venezuela: whether any steps have been taken to bring about a settlement; and whether Her Majesty's Government will accept arbitration, with a view to agreeing as to a boundary line, and to an equitable settlement of any claims which may have arisen on either side?
§ SIR J. FERGUSSONHer Majesty's Government have been waiting for a reply from the Venezuelan Government to the last communication addressed to them on the question of the disputed frontier. It would not be convenient until that reply is received to make any statement on the subject. Her Majesty's Government have been always willing to accept a settlement consistent with British rights.
§ SIR W. LAWSONDoes the delay arise from the answer of the Venezuelan Government not having come to hand?
§ SIR J. FERGUSSONThe delay at present arises, of course, from our not being able to get an answer to the proposal.