HL Deb 23 May 1898 vol 58 cc265-6
THE EARL OF CAMPERDOWN

Seeing the noble Marquess in his place to-day, I beg to ask him whether he is in a position to give the House any information with regard to the progress of the negotiations respecting affairs in West Africa?

THE MARQUESS OF SALISBURY

I think there are two principles which I should violate if I gave an answer to the noble Earl. In the first place, it has been laid down that on questions concerning foreign affairs notice should always be given, for, unless it is given, it is almost impossible, when answering, to avoid using language which might be misunderstood. In the second place, I should be violating the well-understood rule that while negotiations are proceed- ing they cannot form properly the subject of a Parliamentary statement or discussion. The negotiations in this case are still proceeding, and there is nothing in their progress, or in their prospects, to give the slightest justification for departing from the ordinary practice.