§ MR. CROMBIE (Kincardineshire)To ask the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs at what date the commercial treaty between Britain and Russia would, under normal circumstances, expire; whether Russia has definitely agreed to maintain the present treaty notwithstanding the protest which she made regarding the Sugar Bounties Convention; and whether, if the treaty is to be denounced, the Government will undertake to give due notice of this, so that in the meantime trade with Russia may be carried on with confidence.
(Answered by Lord Cranborne.) In reply to the first and third Questions I have to say that the Treaty of Commerce and Navigation with Russia of 12th January, 1859, will remain in force "until the expiration of twelve months after either of the High Contracting Powers shall have given notice to the other of its intention to terminate the same." As to the second Question, I would refer the hon. Member to the Paper which was distributed yesterday, Commercial, No. 1, 1903.