Lords Sitting of 20 April 1871

MINUTES.
PUBLIC BILLS—First Reading—Marine Mutiny *; County Justices Qualification Amendment * (67); Trades Unions * (68); Criminal Law Amendment (Violence, Threats, &c.) * (69); Bank Holidays * (70).
Second Reading—Mutiny *.
Committee—County Property * (35).

THE CHAIRMAN OF COMMITTEES.
LORD REDESDALE, who was warmly cheered on entering the House for the first time this Session, said—Before moving the third reading of some private Bills, I trust your Lordships will permit me to express my deep sense of the indulgence which your Lordships have extended to me in excusing my absence during the early part of the Session. I wish the noble Viscount (Viscount Eversley) were now in his place that I might express to him my deep obligation for the manner in which, as I have learnt from all quarters, he has kindly discharged the duties of my office. This has been a great satisfaction to me during my absence. I cannot say that I have entirely recovered; and it is possible that, for some little time, I may have to bespeak the indulgence of the House; but I trust I shall be able to perform my duties.
UNITED STATES—THE JOINT HIGH COMMISSION—THE FISHERY QUESTION.

  QUESTION.
  THE DUKE OF RICHMOND: I wish to ask the noble Earl the Secretary for Foreign Affairs, Whether the telegraphic communication which appeared in one of the leading journals this morn-
  1382
  ing with respect to an agreement as to the Fisheries Question has any foundation in fact; and, if not, whether he can state the exact position of matters on the subject?
  EARL GRANVILLE: I cannot confirm the intelligence which appeared in The Times of to-day. Indeed, I remark that the announcement was not made as a fact, but as a rumour. It would be unwise to place confidence in any un-official report of the proceedings of the Joint Commission, for both our own and the American Commissioners have very wisely resolved to keep the negotiations secret until some result—one way or the other—is obtained; and, as far as I am aware, that resolution has been scrupulously adhered to. I do not think I can state anything more, except that I see no reason whatever to complain of the spirit in which the negotiations have been carried on. To give any opinion as to the result would obviously be premature and improper.
  House adjourned at a quarter past Five o'clock, till To-morrow, half past Three o'clock.