Colonel NEWMANasked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is able to give any information relative to the recent sequestration by the Uruguayan Government or municipality of Montevideo of the funds of a British-owned tramway undertaking in Montevideo; and if the Uruguayan Gov- 1110W ernment is a member of the League of Nations?
Mr. HARMSWORTHA strike for increased wages has stopped the working of the tramways of Montevideo for three weeks. The company was unable to pay the increased wages demanded by the men unless permission were granted to them by the Government to raise their tariff. A Bill to authorise this increase was for some time before Congress, but was not passed. It will come up again at the meeting of Congress on 15th March. On 28th January the municipality assumed control of the tramway company. The British manager was invited to remain at his post and the municipality appointed an "interventor" to control gross receipts. Two accounts are now to be opened. One will provide for payment by the company of wages on the old scale. The other for the increased wages, which the men demand. These are to be paid by the municipality from the company's gross receipts. The company has protested and it is understood that they are now taking legal action against the municipality. Uruguay is a member of the League of Nations.