§ 21. Major COLVILLEasked the President of the Board of Trade if he has considered the representations from the Association of British Chambers of Commerce, the Federation of British Industries, the Chamber of Shipping, and the Liverpool Steamship Owners' Association protesting against the discrimination in customs duties exercised by the Portuguese Government against cargoes carried in British vessels; and what action he proposes to take?
§ Mr. W. GRAHAMI would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the reply given yesterday by my hon. Friend the Secretary for Mines to a question on this subject by the hon. Member for Farnham (Mr. A. M. Samuel).
§ Major COLVILLEIn view of the widespread feeling in British circles as to the bad effect of this discriminaton on British shipping can the right hon. Gentleman assure the House that he is taking active steps to make representations to the Portuguese Government, on the matter?
§ Mr. GRAHAMYes, I have now made definite arrangements for the deputation to be received, and I can assure the House that every aspect of the case will be considered.
§ Mr. BEAUMONTMay I ask whether the Government have consulted the Liberal party in this matter?