HC Deb 12 July 1932 vol 268 cc1092-3
10. Sir JOHN SANDEMAN ALLEN

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that the Portuguese line trading to the United Kingdom has given notice that in future it will extend its monthly service to a fortnightly service; and, seeing that this line Is dependent for its existence in this trade upon discrimination by Portugal against British ships while itself enjoying equality of treatment in British ports, and in view of repeated representations already made, will His Majesty's Government now inform the Portuguese Government that the maintenance by that Government of the discrimination above referred to constitutes a breach of the treaty, and notify that Government that this country must now take countervailing steps?

Mr. RUNCIMAN

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirms- tive. As regards the second part of the question, the matter is still under discussion between the Governments.

Sir J. SANDEMAN ALLEN

How long will it be; I understand that it has been going on for a long time?

Mr. RUNCIMAN

These Governments do not decide very promptly