HC Deb 14 July 1924 vol 176 cc11-2
27. Mr. A. M. SAMUEL

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he will request the Brazilian Government to give the reason for the default, since 1920, on its contractual obligations towards the Great Western Railway Company of Brazil, in which £4,500,000 of British capital is embarked; and will he ascertain from the Brazilian Government whether it is contemplating an application to British investors for a loan within the immediate future?

The PRIME MINISTER

The Brazilian Government refused to carry out their undertaking to allow the Great Western Railway Company of Brazil to raise its tariffs owing to the apposition which the proposal had aroused in the districts affected. The Brazilian Government have been endeavouring for some time past to obtain a loan in this country or elsewhere. His Majesty's Ambassador at Rio de Janeiro has recently pressed the Brazilian Government to carry out their agreement with the Great Western Railway Company of Brazil.

Mr. SAMUEL

I beg to give notice that, should I be so fortunate as to catch the Chairman's eye this afternoon, I shall raise this question on the Foreign Office Vote.