HC Deb 07 March 1932 vol 262 cc1457-8
15. Sir ASSHETON POWNALL

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what reply he has received from the Portuguese Government with regard to the flag discrimination question?

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

I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply given to him by my right hon. Friend on the 15th of February on this subject. The Portuguese Minister for Foreign Affairs has not yet returned to Lisbon, and no reply has yet been received from the Portuguese Government. I understand, however, that His Excellency is expected back in Lisbon very shortly.

Sir A. POWNALL

In view of this matter having been outstanding now for nearly a year, may I ask my hon. Friend to call the attention of the Tariff Commission to this unfair discrimination against British trade?

Mr. EDEN

I think my hon. Friend is aware that my right hon. Friend has spoken to the Portuguese Foreign Minister on the subject. I think he had now better wait until our own Minister has had an opportunity of dealing with the matter.

Mr. HANNON

Does not my hon. Friend think that the better course would be to prohibit the import of port wine into this country for the next seven years?