43. Mr. Keelinģasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware of the feeling aroused in Portugal, in view of the Anglo-Portuguese Alliance, by the giving of agencies for British manufactures to the firms of J. C. Alvarez and Rocha Brito, who traded with the enemy; and whether he has any statement to make.
§ Mr. MarquandI am aware that there are differences of opinion in business circles both here and abroad as to the action of United Kingdom firms who appoint as agents firms in neutral countries who traded with the enemy. The Board of Trade and H.M. Commercial Officers are always willing to obtain information for United Kingdom exporters as to the commercial ability and reputation of prospective agents, and, in particular cases, to advise whether, in all the circumstances, an applicant seems to be suitable, but the decision must be taken by the United Kingdom exporters, who are no doubt influenced by their estimate of the ability of the applicant to secure business for them. His Majesty's Government have no power to prevent United Kingdom exporters appointing firms in neutral countries as their agents, except in the case of firms who are included in the List of Specified Persons, usually known as the Black List.
Mr. KeelinģIs it strictly correct for the hon. Gentleman to refer to Portugal, our Ally, as a neutral, and are these firms not getting the best of both worlds— trading with the enemy during the war and trading with us immediately afterwards?
§ Mr. MarquandThese firms are not on the Black List.