50. Major Sir GEORGE HAMILTONasked the Prime Minister whether he has yet been able to make any arrangements for the handing over of the British pavilion at the Rio de Janeiro Exhibition to the Brazilian Government-, in accordance with his promise that he would endeavour to secure the services of some personage who would enhance the British prestige at this ceremony?
§ Lieut.-Colonel A. BUCKLEY (Secretary, Overseas Trade Department)I am afraid that I am not yet in a position to add anything to the reply given by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister to a similar question on the 14th December, in which he stated that every endeavour will be made, to secure that the ceremony of presentation of the British pavilion to Brazil will be worthy of the occasion. Perhaps I may take this opportunity of stating that it has now 1773 been found possible to make arrangements which will ensure the British pavilion being kept open until the 2nd July, the date of the closing of the exhibition at Rio de Janeiro.
Sir G. HAMILTONWhen will the hon. and gallant Gentleman be able to make a statement? If I put a question down for this day week, will he be able to give a reply?
§ Lieut.-Colonel BUCKLEYI think I will be able to reply if a question be put down a fortnight to-day.