HC Deb 15 June 1896 vol 41 c1052
* SIR CHARLES DILKE (Gloucester, Forest of Dean)

I beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, whether negotiations with France are continuing as respects Madagascar, or whether Her Majesty's Government are now in a position to state the view taken by Her Majesty's Government, and by the Government of the United States, of the Bill for the nominal annexation of the island by the bare use of the term "colony"?

* THE UNDER SECRETARY OF STATE FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS (Mr. GEORGE CURZON,) Lancashire, Southport

I am sorry to be unable to give the hon. Baronet more precise information. The matter is still under discussion, and being one of great importance, cannot be hurriedly decided.