§ 3. Mr. HOAREasked whether the Portuguese Government have yet formulated any charges against the Rev. J. S. Bowskill or stated when a trial will take place?
§ Sir E. GREYHis Majesty's Minister at Lisbon has recently reported by telegraph that he had been informed by the Portuguese Minister for Foreign Affairs that there were no charges against Mr. Bowskill. His Excellency added that at present, and until Lieutenant Crato had finished his inquiry, it was impossible to say whether there would be any or whether Mr. Bowskill would be brought to trial.
§ Mr. HOAREIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that it is now four months since Mr. Bowskill was arrested, and does he not think that the time has come when the House should be placed in possession of some definite particulars?
§ Sir E. GREYI am expecting the final report of our own Consul on the subject, and when I receive it there will be no objection to giving the House full details.
§ Sir E. GREYIt is very difficult to say, because the country is exceedingly disturbed, and it is very difficult to fix a time. I will make inquiries. I desire to get it as soon as possible. Meanwhile Mr. Bowskill is under no restraint at all.