§ THE DUKE OF RICHMONDI 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 GRANVILLEI 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.