§ 39. Sir ALFRED KNOXasked the Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department whether he has any information as to the losses sustained during the last two years by British firms exporting to Brazil as a result of failure or defaults by Brazilian importers; and whether he will also make inquiries through the Exports Credits Department and publish the information in the Board of Trade Journal for the guidance of the British export trade?
§ Mr. GILLETTI am aware that during the last two years losses have been sustained by British firms exporting to Brazil, but it is not possible to obtain an accurate estimate of such losses. I am uncertain what the hon. and gallant Member has in mind in the latter part of the question. I am aware that a number of bills guaranteed by the Exports Credits Guarantee Department in connection with Brazilian transactions and maturing during the last seven or eight months have been dishonoured, but I am precluded from publishing particulars of individual transactions.
§ Mr. MILLSCan the Minister give us any idea as to how much of the guarantee of £25,000,000 set aside many years ago has yet been used for this purpose?
§ Mr. GILLETTI must ask for notice of that question.