§ MR. BAIRD (Glasgow, Central)I beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the Commercial Treaty with Spain came to an end on the 1st instant, or continues until a. fresh Treaty has been negotiated; whether the maximum or minimum tariff is at present in force in the Spanish Colonies against this country; and whether the new Treaties between Spain and other European countries are based upon reciprocity?
§ THE UNDER SECRETARY OF STATE FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS (Sir E. GREY, Northumberland, Berwick)The Commercial Treaty of 1886 with Spain came to an end on the 30th June, 1892. British trade in the Spanish Colonies is subject to the 1453 minimum tariff. The new Commercial Treaties between Spain and other European countries are concluded in the terms of ordinary Commercial Treaties containing tariff stipulations, and are not of the nature of engagements usually designated as based upon reciprocity.
§ MR. WHITTAKER (York, W.R., Spen Valley)I beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he can give any information as to the position of the negotiations with Spain with regard to a Commercial Treaty, and also as to the arrangements at present in force with that country?
§ SIR E. GREYNegotiations are proceeding with the view to give a more definite character to the arrangements at present in force, pending the conclusion of a new Commercial Treaty. No alteration has been made in the Agreement whereby the benefit of the minimum Spanish Tariff is extended to British goods.