§ MR. SOMERSET BEAUMONTsaid, he wished to ask, Whether any debts 988 are owed by Spain or Portugal to this Country; and, if so, to specify the same?
§ THE CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUERSir, the Government of Spain is indebted to this country, for money, provisions, and stores supplied during the Peninsular War to the amount of £7,701,000. The Spanish Government have a counter claim of £60,000, which, if allowed, would reduce the debt to £7,641,000. The Government of Portugal is indebted to this country on the same grounds in the sum of £2,489,000. Neither the British Government, nor the House of Commons have ever taken any steps towards surrendering these claims.
§ MR. HUNTHave Her Majesty's Government made any application to the Governments of Spain and Portugal for the payment of these amounts?
§ THE CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUERWhat Government does the right hon. Gentleman mean?
§ THE CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUER; No, they have not.