§ LORD EDMOND FITZMAURICEI beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if the navigation dues proposed to be levied at the Iron Gates of the Danube by the Austro-Hungarian Government, under the European treaties affecting the navigation of the river, have now been published, and if Her Majesty's Government have been consulted; and if the attention of the Foreign Office has been directed to the observations of Mr. Acting-Consul General Liddell, in his report of 12th June 1899, page 7, on the probable effect of these dues on British capital and trade in Roumania.
§ * MR. BRODRICKThe tariff of these dues has been published, and will come into force on the 1st of September next. As I informed the noble Lord on the 2nd of May last, the tariff in question was submitted for the consideration of Her Majesty's Government, and was not considered to be in violation of any treaty rights. Mr. Liddell's report was published by the Foreign Office. The general effect of the new dues upon British trade, shipping, and capital has, however, been carefully considered in connection with reports from other quarters.