MR. GIBSON BOWLES (Lynn Regis)I beg to ask the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he will lay upon the Table a Return of most-favoured-nation clauses in existing treaties of commerce and navigation between Great Britain and foreign powers, stating the period when terminable and showing whether they apply to the British colonies, in force on the 1st day of May, 1903. Further, may I ask whether the right hon. Gentleman will grant a Return showing the nations which, although not bound by treaty, as a matter of courtesy give us most-favoured-nation treatment?
§ LORD CRANBORNEThe answer to the Question on the Paper is in the affirmative. As to the supplementary Question I am discussing that point with my advisers. Such a Return would take a good deal longer to prepare.
MR. GIBSON BOWLESPerhaps the noble Lord will let me put down the first Return and deal with the supplementary matter in another Return.
§ LORD CRANBORNEYes, put the first Return down and I will see to the other.