§ 22. Mr. HANNONasked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been called to the programme of reconstruction recently approved by the Portuguese Government for the development of land and water communications; and if he will make appropriate representations to the Portuguese authorities that, in view of the material support which this country has rendered from time to time to Portgual, British manufacturing firms should have sympathetic consideration for contracts which may follow when the reconstruction scheme comes into operation?
§ Mr. W. GRAHAMReports have been received in regard to this programme and British firms are being kept informed. While His Majesty's Government are always prepared to take what action they usefully and properly can in support of the interests of British firms, I do not think that general representations such as the hon. Member suggests would serve any useful purpose.
§ Mr. HANNONIf it comes to the knowledge of the right hon. Gentleman that definite schemes are in process at the instance of the Portuguese Government, will he make representations so that British manufacturers are given a full opportunity for tendering?
§ Mr. GRAHAMI have indicated in my reply that we are trying to do our best in connection with the terms. Certainly I shall spare no effort to that end.
§ Major COLFOXWill the right hon. Gentleman bring the matter to the notice of the Liberal party?
§ Mr. ERNEST BROWNChinese!