HC Deb 11 November 1908 vol 196 cc267-8
MR. SUMMERBELL

I beg to ask the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies if his attention has been called to the Resolution carried unanimously at a meeting of the Trinidad Chamber of Commerce, declaring that the Government of Venezuela, whilst availing itself of the full advantages afforded by the harbour and port of Trinidad, has prohibited the export of produce, except in insignificant quantity, from Venezuela to Trinidad, to the detriment and loss of merchants there, who in some cases have advanced moneys in respect of such produce, and requesting the Acting Governor to ascertain from His Majesty's Minister at Caracas the reason for such action on the part of the Government of Venezuela, or to take such other steps in the matter as might seem fit to His Excellency; and, if so, can he state what steps, if any, are being taken in regard to the matter.

THE UNDER - SECRETARY OF STATE FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS (Mr. MCKINNON WOOD,) Glasgow, St. Rollox

Yes, Sir; His Majesty's Minister at Caracas has asked for an explanation from the Venezuelan Minister for Foreign Affairs of the reason for the restrictions upon passenger and goods traffic, and he has been informed in reply that the restrictions on passenger traffic were due to the reappearance of plague in Trinidad, but that they had been removed and that the regulations regarding goods were those contained in the Finance Laws. Sir Vincent Corbett will be instructed to continue to take such action as may seem best adapted in the circumstances to secure the end in view.