HC Deb 14 February 1918 vol 103 c295W
Mr. THOMAS-STANFORD

asked the Minister of National Service whether there is any agreement between the British and Portuguese Governments as to the calling up for military service of British subjects of military age resident in Portugal; and whether he is aware of the number of such men at present engaged in civil occupations in Portuguese territory?

Mr. BECK

An agreement such as my hon. Friend refers to has not been made between the British and Portuguese Governments. Before the Military Service (Conventions with Allied States) Act was passed steps were taken to ascertain what British subjects in Portugal, fit for military service, were in a position to return to this country to undertake such service, and the number who registered themselves, after making allowance for those required to maintain British commercial interests in Portugal and those unfit for military service, was inconsiderable. The number of Portugese subjects resident in Great Britain is very small.