§ Mr. JOYCEasked the Secretary for Foreign Affairs whether his attention had been called to a complaint made by the firm of W. T. Shaw and Sons, bacon merchants, Limerick, relative to a consignment of hams and bacon sent by them to a customer at Buenos Ayres in the month of August 1909 and refused entrance to that port; what were the reasons given by the Argentine authorities for refusing the goods; had Messrs. Shaw and Sons asked the Foreign Office to inquire into the matter; and, if so, with what result?
§ Sir E. GREYThe answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. Messrs. W. T. Shaw and Sons' hams were rejected by the Argentine authorities on the ground that the analysis showed traces of boric acid. The bacon was not condemned. His Majesty's Minister at Buenos Ayres inquired into the matter, but was of opinion that it would be useless to make representations to the Argentine Government as the consignees of the hams had endeavoured, on their rejection by the Buenos Ayres authorities, to reintroduce them at another Argentine port.
§ Mr. JOYCEHas the Foreign Office done anything with regard to the bacon to which no objection was taken?
§ Sir E. GREYI understood that the bacon was not condemned. If there are any facts which have not been brought to my notice that my hon. Friend can let me have I will see if anything can be done.