HC Deb 05 December 1932 vol 272 cc1214-5
5. Sir ASSHETON POWNALL

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he is now in a position to make a statement as to flag discrimination by the Portuguese Government against British shipping?

The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for FOREIGN AFFAIRS (Mr. Eden)

His Majesty's Government in the United Kingdom very much regret that the Portuguese Government have not yet replied to a note on this subject which His Majesty's Ambassador addressed to them last August; my right hon. Friend has accordingly instructed His Majesty's Ambassador to press for an early reply.

Sir A. POWNALL

Will not the Government consider cancelling our trade treaty with Portugal in view of the fact that this question has been going on for two years?

Mr. EDEN

The present position is admittedly unsatisfactory, but my hon. Friend may be certain that every consideration bearing on this question will be taken fully into account.

Mr. HANNON

Does not Portugal owe its very existence to the British people and the British nation, and is it not time that some retaliatory measures were taken by this country?