HC Deb 19 May 1931 vol 252 cc1755-6
26. Sir A. POWNALL

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether the Portuguese Treaty comes up for revision, and, if so, at what date, or whether it continues in force unless and until denounced?

Mr. W. GRAHAM

This question was answered yesterday.

Sir A. POWNALL

This question was not put at Question Time yesterday. I asked that it might be deferred in order that I might put it to the right hon. Member?

Mr. GRAHAM

There must be some misunderstanding, because an hon. Member, on behalf of the hon. Member, put the question yesterday. At any rate, the reply is as follows: The position is correctly described in the latter part of the question. Notice of denunciation can now be given by cither party at any time, and if given takes effect 12 months from the date of the notice."—[OFFICIAL REPORT, 18th May, 1931; col. 1576, Vol. 252.]

Sir A. POWNALL

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider giving notice in regard to ending this treaty in the event of Portuguese discrimination against British shipping continuing?

showing the percentage of the separate importations per head.

Sir N. G RATTAN-DOYLE

Will the right hon. Gentleman be kind enough to add that to his answer when he circulates it?

Following is the reply:

Mr. GRAHAM

I have already informed the House that I have received a deputation on this subject. Many points mnst be taken into account, including the point which the hon. Member has raised, but I am unable at this stage to intimate the decision.

Mr. DAY

May I ask whether it is in order for an hon. Member to put a question on behalf of another hon. Member one day and then for the hon. Member to say that it was not asked?

Mr. SPEAKER

The rule is that when questions are gone over the second time, a question of an hon. Member who is absent can only be asked by an hon. Member at the special request of the hon. Member in whose name the question is down on the Order Paper.