§ 21. Mr. FELLasked the President of the Board of Trade if he is considering the treatment the traders of this country are receiving at the hands of the Portuguese Government, and that the most-favourednation treatment is being deliberately contravened in the case of duties levied on English goods; and if he will confer with the Chancellor of the Exchequer on the subject of the duty at present levied on port wine, and how it may be raised with advantage?
§ The PRESIDENT of the BOARD of TRADE (Mr. Burns)There is at present no Treaty of Commerce between this country and Portugal securing most-favoured-nation treatment in Portugal for British produce and manufactures, but negotiations are at present in progress for the conclusion of such a treaty. I understand from my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs that these negotiations are making good progress, and in these circumstances there is at present no occasion to consider the suggestion made in the last part of the hon. Member's question.
§ Mr. HEWINSWhat is the obstacle in the way of concluding a treaty with Portugal?
§ Mr. BURNSI could not answer that at the moment without consultation with my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State.