HC Deb 17 March 1892 vol 2 cc1041-2
MR. JARVIS (Lyme Regis)

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, bearing in mind that it has been the policy of every British Government to do its utmost towards the suppression of slavery, it is the intention of Her Majesty's Government to take any notice of the grave charges of slavery and oppression on the Zambesi brought against officials of the Portuguese Government by Captain Sir John Willoughby, Royal Horse Guards, in his articles entitled "Under the Portuguese Flag," published in the Graphic of 27th February, 5th March, and 12th March?

THE UNDER SECRETARY OF STATE FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS (Mr. J. W. LOWTHER,) Cumberland, Penrith

The Portuguese Government having recently submitted the question of the ratification of the Brussels Act to the Chamber of Deputies, and the Chamber having accepted it, it may be presumed that Portugal will take some steps as regards the suppression of abuses connected with slavery and the Slave Trade. Under these circumstances, it is not the intention of Her Majesty's Government to interfere in the matter referred to in the hon. Member's question.