16. Mr. GILBERTasked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether any further progress has yet been made with the Portuguese Government in removing the charges which are now being made on British-owned ships entering Portuguese ports; whether he can make any statement on the subject; and if his Department will use every endeavour to get these charges altered or withdrawn as soon as possible?
Mr. McNEILLHis Majesty's Government are making, and will continue to make, every endeavour to obtain more equitable treatment for British shipping entering Portuguese ports. With this object in view, they have recently submitted to the Portuguese Government proposals for the conclusion of a special commercial agreement which will secure for British shipping entering Portuguese ports the fullest benefits obtainable under Portuguese legislation. The Portuguese Government have not yet replied to these proposals.