§ 24. Sir FREDRIC WISEasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department if the amount of credit granted to Portugal under the Export Credits for £3,000,000 has been extended from 1927; and if the technical difficulties of repayment have been got over?
Mr. SAMUELThe question of a possible extension of the Portuguese credit has been raised, but no decision has yet been taken. As regards the second part of the question, all sums due to the Export Credits Department have been paid punctually, but I am informed that there has been some delay over the: payments due to British exporters in connection with the same transactions. I understand, however, that these payments have now been duly discharged.
§ Sir F. WISECan the hon. Member state whether any further security will be given in regard to that £3,000,000 if the extension takes place?
Mr. SAMUELI cannot say that for the moment, because we have not yet considered the question of the extension at any length.
§ Sir F. WISEIt is very important that full security should be given.