THE EARL OF CARNARVONI venture to ask a Question, of which I have given private Notice to my noble Friend the Prime Minister. It would he very satisfactory to learn whether any, and if so, what consents have been given on the part of the different Foreign Powers who have been invited by Her Majesty's Government to enter on a discussion of the bounty system? I see it is reported in one of this morning's papers that France has given its adhesion to that Conference. Of course, this is not the time for entering into a discussion of the question itself, nor will I make any comments upon it; but I think the House will learn with very great pleasure that there was a willingness on the part of so important a member of the Conference as France to enter on a discussion of the matter.
§ THE PRIME MINISTER AND SECRETARY OF STATE FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS (The Marquess of SALISBURY)I cannot speak with absolute confidence with respect to France; but Germany, Spain, and Belgium, subject to certain conditions, have agreed to take part in the Conference. The noble Earl. I am sure, does not wish that I should do more than answer his Question. I may, however, add that the answers which we have received have been satisfactory.