§ MR. SANDFORDsaid, he would beg to ask the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, Whether any representation has been made by Her Majesty's Government to the Government of Portugal respecting the conduct of that Government in offering for sale by public auction, and preparing to confiscate the South Eastern of Portugal Railway, in the construction of which British capitalists have invested upwards of £1,200,000; and, if such communication has been made, what answer has been returned thereto?
LORD STANLEYRepresentations have been made by Her Majesty's Government to the Government of Portugal upon the subject to which the hon. Gentleman refers. Communications are now passing between the two Governments, but I have not received any final or decisive reply.