HC Deb 23 February 1903 vol 118 cc502-3
MR. GIBSON BOWLES

I beg to ask the President of the Board of Trade, in reference to the agreement proposed to be made by them with Mr. Pierpont Morgan's Shipping Trust, now Known as the International Mercantile Marine Company, will they afford this House any opportunity of expressing an opinion on that agreement before it is finally concluded.

THE PRESIDENT OF THE BOARD OF TRADE (Mr. GERALD BALFOUR,) Leeds, Central

I must remind the hon. Member that the general lines of the agreement have been settled and accepted by both parties, and that the Government cannot treat them as open to re-consideration.

MR GIBSON BOWLES

Who are the parties?

MR. GERALD BALFOUR

The Government on the one hand and the Atlantic Combine on the other.

MR. GIBSON BOWLES

Then will the House have no opportunity of considering the question?

MR. GERALD BALFOUR

Oh yes, when the Papers are laid on the Table.