§ SIR F. EVANS (Southampton)I beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he would lay upon the Table all Correspondence (including messages by cable) to this date between Newfoundland, the United States of America, and Her Majesty's Government, relating to negotiations between the United States Government and the Newfoundland Government, having for their purpose the free entry of Newfoundland fish into the United States, and known as the Bond-Blaine Convention; and whether, having regard to the extreme urgency and necessity to Newfoundland of securing free entry for her fish into the United States before the fishing season opens in March next, Her Majesty's Government would endeavour, or would concur in the Newfoundland Government endeavouring, to conclude forthwith a temporary arrangement with the United States Government for the coming fishing season?
§ MR. S. BUXTONAs regards the first question, the Correspondence will be laid so soon as it is complete. As regards the second question, it would be very inexpedient at the present moment, while negotiations are in progress and the whole matter is in the hands of Her Majesty's Ambassador at Washington, to answer my hon. Friend's question.
§ SIR F. EVANSI hope I may infer that this delay is in favour of and beneficial to Newfoundland as well as Canada?
§ MR. S. BUXTONI am afraid I can add nothing to the answer already given.