§ 3 and 4. Lieut.-Colonel Sir J. NORTON-GRIFFITHSasked the President of the Board of Trade (1) whether preferential tariffs are extended by the Government of Brazil to any countries other than Belgium and the United States of America; whether any opportunity has occurred whereby an agreement might be reached in respect of preferential tariffs between this country and Brazil;
(2) whether, in view of the long and friendly relationship between this country and Brazil, he will take steps to bring about a closer connection in the way of trade; and, in view of the foresight of the Brazilian Government in granting, whenever possible, preferential treatment to countries whose trade is beneficial to Brazil, will he approach the proper quarters in order that a similar state of affairs may be brought into existence as far as this country is concerned?
§ Mr. BALDWINSo far as I am aware, the preferential tariff treatment accorded by Brazil to a limited number of articles originating in the United States of 4 America and Belgium is not extended to any other country. I should, of course, welcome an arrangement which would give us the same treatment, but, as I have already informed my hon. Friend, the Brazilian Government have been repeatedly approached on the subject by His Majesty's Government without success. Advantage will be taken of any opportunity which may occur in the future of re-opening the question with any prospect of success.