§ MR. J. R. YORKEasked the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, Whether the Government can state what is the present position of the proceedings for enforcing payment of the amount duo from the Municipality of Zamora, in Spain, to the Zamora Waterworks Company; whether it is the fact that whereas the Spanish Government at one time used their powers so as to compel the municipality to pay, they have now not only ceased to do so but are placing difficulties in the way of the creditors; and, if there are any papers on the subject which can be produced?
§ LORD EDMOND FITZMAURICEThe real estate of the Municipality of Zamora was put up for sale on October 16 last, but there was no bidder, The Company then applied for a second sale at a reduction of 25 per cent on the upset price. In consequence of the action of the Spanish Home Office on the subject, Her Majesty's Minister felt obliged to address a protest to the Spanish Minister for Foreign Affairs, who promised to insist on the property being at once put up again for sale at the reduced price. Nevertheless, the property was again offered for sale without any reduction, with the same result as before. 1835 There is reason to fear that the Spanish Home Office contemplate a revaluation of the property, which would entail a further delay of many months. Her Majesty's Government hope, however, to effect a speedy settlement of the case. They are in communication with the German Government, whose subjects are also interested. I cannot undertake at present to say whether Papers can be laid on the Table or not.