§ 53. Sir N. GRATTAN-DOYLEasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that the Leopoldina Railway has been compelled to default on its debentures owing to the treatment of the company by the Brazilian Government; that the British investors entrusted their savings for the use of the Brazilian people; that those savings have been jeopardised by the action of the Brazilian Government; and will he take such steps as may be possible to protect these British savings and, if necessary, place an import duty on Brazilian fruit, coffee, and cotton until the Brazilian Government safeguards these British investments?
§ The FINANCIAL SECRETARY to the TREASURY (Lieut.-Colonel Colville)My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs is making inquiries on this matter and will communicate the results to my hon. Friend.
§ Sir ARTHUR MICHAEL SAMUELIs the right hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that this matter has now been hanging over for some months; and does he not think that it is time His Majesty's Government made a strong protest to the Brazilian Government about its general ill-treatment of British investors in that country?
§ Lieut.-Colonel COLVILLEI have already said that the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs is looking into this matter.
§ Mr. CHARLES WILLIAMSCould not the House have this information, and not an individual Member only?
§ Lieut.-Colonel COLVILLEThat question should be put down again.
§ Mr. PALINGDoes not the right hon. arid gallant Gentleman think that if such steps were taken as are suggested in the question, the Brazilians would pay less than ever?