§ 38. Mr. KINGasked whether the negotiations with France on the pilotage question will be concluded before the Second Reading of the Pilotage Bill is taken?
Mr. BUXTONThe negotiations with the French Government may possibly not be finally concluded until the Bill becomes law.
§ Mr. KINGIs it not very undesirable, if this Bill is to meet difficulties with a foreign country, that negotiations should still be going on while we are passing legislation?
Mr. BUXTONThe Clause has been in substance agreed to; and with regard to this Clause subsequent negotiations may take place, as the Clause may be altered.
Sir G. PARKERAre we to understand that an agreement has been come to with France with regard to this Clause?
§ 41. Mr. RUPERT GWYNNEasked the President of the Board of Trade if he will say how many French vessels entered English ports during the year 1911, and how much was paid in pilotage dues; and how many English vessels entered French ports during the same period, and how much was paid in pilotage dues?
Mr. BUXTONFigures are not yet available respecting British vessels visiting France in 1911. In 1910 the number of French vessels which entered at United Kingdom ports was 3,290, and the number of British vessels entering French ports 13,199. The figures asked for as to pilotage dues are not available.
§ Mr. R. GWYNNEWill the right hon. Gentleman try to obtain them in view of forthcoming legislation?
§ Mr. JOYCEWill the right hon. Gentleman try to get the whole of the figures in this case, because we require them?