§ 25. Mr. G. HALLasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he will ascertain from the Brazilian Government the reason for the delay by the local 31 authorities in adjusting the fares of the Nictheroy tramways and the Bay of Rio ferry services; and will he ask the British commercial representative in Brazil to represent to the Brazilian Government that steps should be taken with the local anthorities for the purpose of obtaining fair treatment for British investors in the Brazilian transport services?
§ Mr. EDENMy right hon. Friend understands that the services in question are a Brazilian company, and, as was pointed out in the reply given to the hon. Member for Bromley (Mr. Campbell) on 27th July last, His Majesty's Government are only entitled to make official representations on behalf of British companies. They have no locus standi with regard to Brazilian companies, even though those may be operated in whole or in part with British capital.
§ Sir A. M. SAMUELIs my hon. Friend aware that the Nictheroy tramway system referred to in the question is owned by the Leopoldina Railway Company, which is a British company?
§ Mr. EDENI am aware of the circumstances, and. if my hon. Friend will read my answer, he will see that it fully covers his point.