HC Deb 26 July 1842 vol 65 cc636-7
Mr. Labouchere

inquired whether there was any hope of the officers and soldiers who had served in the army of liberation in Portugal, receiving the amount of their claims under the mixed commission?

Sir R. Peel

said, that the Government had, in their communications with foreign countries to contend, in more than an ordinary degree, against the disadvantages resulting from the changes in the governments of those countries during the progress of negotiations. This was the case with respect to Portugal; but he had the satisfaction of stating, that he believed the new Ministry had made arrangements for the payment, in half-yearly instalments, of the sum due to the individuals to whom the hon. Member had alluded. Of course, it would be a question in what proportion the money should be applied to the payment of those whose claims might be adjudicated on. This was matter for consideration; but it appeared most equitable and just to provide for those whose demands were of the least amount, and the settlement of which might, therefore, be presumed to be of the greatest importance to the parties. Nothing, however, upon this point was decided on; but he had every reason to hope, that the Portuguese Government had made a final arrangement for the acquittal of the sums due.