§ MR. WEIRI beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is aware that about nine years ago the Portuguese Government took possession of the Delagoa Bay Railway; and that, by the consent of both parties, the matter was referred to certain Swiss arbiters in Berne who over two years ago ceased to take evidence, but have now determined to take evidence which they had previously decided not to take; and whether, in the interests of arbitration, he will communicate with the arbiters with the view of having the questions at issue settled without further delay?
§ MR. BRODRICKHer Majesty's Government are aware that certain inquiries with regard to the value of land at Lorenco Marques are being made for the information of the arbiters. They 1327 cannot, however—as has already been stated in answers to previous Questions in the House on this subject—interfere in a matter which is under arbitration.