§ 13. Mr. C. WILLIAMSasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether any negotiations have taken place with 903 the Portuguese Government with regard to the construction of the Zambesi bridge and the conditions under which it is being built; and, if so, will he state their nature?
Mr. A. HENDERSONOn the 2nd July last His Majesty's Chargé d'Affaires at Lisbon informed the Portuguese Government that His Majesty's Government in the United Kingdom had, for some time past, been considering the question of the construction of a bridge over the River Zambesi, and that they were contemplating the possibility of guaranteeing from Imperial Funds the sums necessary for the building of such a bridge. Mr. Osborne expressed the hope that in the event of His Majesty's Government deciding to participate in the venture, the Portuguese Government would facilitate the construction of the bridge, and would in general extend their goodwill towards the scheme. In a reply, dated the 1st August last, the Portuguese Government pointed out that proper guarantees had already been given in connection with the existing concession. The Portuguese Government added that, in the absence of further particulars, they could not make any definite statement, but they gave an assurance that they were anxious to facilitate the projected enterprise in every way possible.
§ Mr. WILLIAMSDo we understand that there has been little or no progress since August, and is there any likelihood of the Portuguese Government making any contribution towards the bridge?
§ Mr. HANNONIn the event of this project being proceeded with, will the right hon. Gentleman use his influence to get the contracts brought to this country as much as possible?
§ Mr. BROCKWAYIn the conditions is there included a prohibition of forced labour and child labour, according to the promise given when the Bill was in the House of Commons?
§ Mr. WILLIAMSHas there been any progress since August?