§ Mr. LUTTRELLasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is aware that a charge of 20 francs is now levied by the French Custom House on British vessels entering French ports to pay for the inspection of lights and lifesaving appliances, to which the British vessels are compelled to submit; and whether he will use his influence with the French Government to secure the removal or the modification of this charge?
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§ Sir E. GREYThe answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. Representations have been made to the French Government on the subject of the charging of a fee of 20 francs for the inspection, which takes place in accordance with the French Merchant Shipping Law of April, 1907. It is understood that, as the French law stands at present, the French Government are unable to make any concession in the matter.