§ 10. Mr. ARTHUR MICHAEL SAMUELasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he will draw the attention of the Brazilian Government to the unfavourable effect of the Brazilian 1900 tariff upon the export of British manufactured goods to Brazil, so that negotiations for adjustments can be entered upon before the Brazilian Government or any State of Brazil invites British investors to subscribe to a loan for national or coffee valorisation purposes in Brazil?
§ Mr. GILLETT (Secretary, Overseas Trade Department)I have been asked to reply. Representations have frequently been made to the Brazilian Government in regard to the effect of the Brazilian Tariff on British trade, but, having regard to the general economic policy of that country, I see little reason to think that an attempt to open negotiations for a general reduction of duties would be likely to meet with success.
§ Mr. SAMUELIs the hon. Gentleman aware that this question is based upon the specific recommendation of the D'Abernon Commission, and is he doing nothing to carry out that recommendation?
§ Mr. GILLETTIf it is a recommendation of the D'Abernon Commission, the matter will no doubt be under consideration by the suitable authority.
§ Mr. SAMUELWill it be dealt with by the Tariff Convention at Geneva?
§ Mr. HANNONHas the hon. Gentleman called the attention of the Brazilian Government to the extent to which British capital has been used for the development of that great country, and will they not consider some such representation made on behalf of the Government?
§ Mr. GILLETTI am not convinced that the present is a suitable time for making any representations on these matters.
§ Mr. SAMUELWould the hon. Gentleman consider it a suitable opportunity when Brazil comes here and asks to borrow our money again?
§ Mr. GILLETTI have considered that point, but I doubt very much whether that would be at all a suitable opportunity.