§ SIR JOHN SWINBURNE (Staffordshire, Lichfield)asked the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, if it is a fact that since about 1813–14, Portugal has owed the British Government a sum of about three millions sterling, which amount has not been repaid; and, if so, whether Portugal is paying interest on the said amount; and whether there is any reason why this sum, and the interest thereon, should not now be repaid.
§ *THE UNDER SECRETARY OF STATE FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS (Sir J. FERGUSSON,) Manchester, N.W.The matter is one on which no action has been taken for a considerable period of years.