§ 13. Mr. Teelingasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs the present position concerning the negotiations with the Argentine Government for compensation for the Anglo-Argentine Tramways Company and the Primitiva Gas Company.
§ Mr. Dodds-ParkerI have nothing to add to my answer to the hon. Gentleman's Question on 14th December last.
§ Mr. TeelingAre we to understand from that that the Minister of State, Board of Trade, who discussed trade matters with the Argentine, was not able to discuss this matter or did not discuss this matter with the appropriate authorities? If so, can my hon. Friend tell us why not?
§ Mr. Dodds-ParkerI suggest that my hon. Friend direct that question to the Minister of State, Board of Trade, who has done his best during his visit to settle this along with other problems.
§ Mr. TeelingBut the Minister said definitely at a Press conference that he did not discuss this matter. Why should one have to go from one Minister to another when we are now trying very hard to get what export business we can? If we are to get nothing done by the Foreign Office for people who lost money in the past it will hardly encourage others in the City to take the risks.
§ Mr. Dodds-ParkerThe companies are negotiating with the Argentine Government, but at the moment the position is as I told my hon. Friend on 14th December.