HC Deb 09 March 1931 vol 249 cc791-2
29. Mr. HORE-BELISHA

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he is now in a position to make a statement in respect of the representations made by His Majesty's Ambassador at Lisbon to the Portuguese Government in November, 1928, regarding the arrest on the charge of theft of £1 of Mr. A. J. Brewer, who was detained for nine months while awaiting trial in Portuguese West Africa, and subsequently sentenced to 300 days' imprisonment and £18 fine or another 90 days' imprisonment?

Mr. DALTON

My right hon. Friend regrets that the Portuguese Government have as yet been unable to give His Majesty's Government any satisfaction in regard to this long-standing case. He has instructed His Majesty's Ambassador in Lisbon to make further representations to the Portuguese Government.

Mr. ARTHUR MICHAEL SAMUEL

Why does the hon. Gentleman allow the Portuguese Government to snap its fingers at us?