§ Mr. Forsterwished to put a question to the right hon. Baronet at the head of her Majesty's Government on the subject of our present commercial relations with Brazil. He was aware that questions on diplomatic matters ought not to be lightly put in that House, but there were cases in which he thought it necessary, and he considered this to be one of them. He was informed by parties interested in the trade that a difference of opinion existed between the two Governments as to the time when the present commercial treaty should expire, Brazil contending that the treaty expired in November next, and this Government contending that it did not expire till November, 1844. Under these circumstances great doubt and embarrassment hung over the operations of our trade with that country, which was our second best customer, taking from 5,000,000l. to 6,000,000l. of our manufactures annually. In the present position of this country it was of great importance that none of our usual channels of trade should be choked up, and it would, therefore, be very desirable if the right hon. Baronet could, consistent with his public duty, make any communication to the House which would place our commerce with Brazil on a more certain and satisfactory footing.
§ Sir R. Peelsaid, he was perfectly sensible of the importance of the subject to which the hon. Member had called his attention, and he was quite aware of the interest which it excited amongst those who were connected with the Brazilian trade. Still, it was very difficult to give a satisfactory answer when negociations were pending between two powers on disputed points. For several years past there had been a difference between the government of Brazil and the Government of this country as to the operation of the existing commercial treaty. The Brazilian government contended that the treaty expired in November, 1842, while the British Government maintained that it did not expire till November, 1844. It was, therefore, deemed necessary that a new treaty should be negotiated in order to meet this difference. That Commercial Treaty had been under consideration for some time, and he Was sure the hon. Member could not expect him to go further into the subject. He believed that some additional delay in bringing the proceedings to a close had taken place in Brazil. His impression, however, was, that the matter would speedily be settled. It was deemed expedient by this Government, in order to prevent any future dispute or difference of opinion, to enter into a new treaty.
Lord J. Russellwished to know whether, pending these proceedings between the government of Brazil and the Government of this country, the Brazilian government had made any formal or public notification or declaration to the Brazilian Chambers of their intention to make any alteration in the duties on British goods?
§ Sir R. PeelNo such notification has been made.