HC Deb 01 December 1930 vol 245 cc1767-8
10. Sir ASSHETON POWNALL

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has yet had a reply from the Portuguese Government on the subject of the discrimination against British shipping?

The SECRETARY of STATE for FOREIGN AFFAIRS (Mr. Arthur Henderson)

As I informed the hon. and gallant Member on 5th November, His Majesty's Ambassador at Lisbon has made repeated and strong representations to the Portuguese Government on this question, but, I regret to say, without any result. His Majesty's Ambassador made the latest of his many representations on 21st November. No official reply has yet been received from the Portuguese Government.

Sir A. POWNALL

In view of the fact that the question has been hanging on so long, will the right hon. Gentleman continue to do all that is possible to expedite a reply from the Portuguese Government?

Mr. HENDERSON

As we acted as recently as the 21st we are continuing to do all that is possible.

Mr. HANNON

Would a duty on port wine help?

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