SIR WALTER FOSTER (Derbyshire, Ilkeston)I beg to ask the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the Foreign Office has received any communication from Funchal, Madeira, as to the disquiet produced among British traders and residents by the concessions granted to the German Sanatorium Syndicate; and whether, in view of the fact that the reputation of Madeira as a health resort has been mainly built up by British capital and energy, he will take steps to secure for British interests equality of treatment in any matter of exemption or preference acquired by subjects of another Power.
§ THE UNDER-SECRETARY OF STATE FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS (Earl PERCY,) Kensington, S.Yes, Sir. The whole question is engaging the careful attention of His Majesty's Government, and His Majesty's Minister at Lisbon has been verbally assured that no vested interests would be injuriously affected.
§ EARL PERCYNo. I do not think it has yet been signed.