§ Sir HILDRED CARLILEasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether representations had been made to the Government at Pekin on the subject of the levying at Canton of illegal taxes on imports from India, in disregard of Article 7 of the recent agreement between His Majesty's Government and that of China; and whether he could say what steps, if any, had been taken by the Government of China in the matter?
§ Sir E. GREYThe answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. His Majesty's Government trust that, in view of their representations, the Chinese Government will require the Viceroy of Canton to comply with their undertaking that Indian opium, on payment of the consolidated duty at the enhanced rate, shall be exempt from any further taxation whatever at the port of import.
§ Sir H. CARLILECan the right hon. Gentleman say whether the Government have taken any steps, or whether any steps are about to be taken?
§ Sir E. GREYI said that we have made representations which we hope will lead to the desired result.