§ 27. Mr. HANNONasked the Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department whether he has received any recent report from His Majesty's Commercial Secretary at Rio de Janeiro on the operations of the Central Buying Commission established by the Brazilian Government under decree of 14th January last; if he has made any special arrangements to keep British manufacturers in touch with the requirements of the public services of Brazil; and if, up to the latest convenient date, any tenders on a gold basis have been accepted by the commission from this country?
§ Mr. GILLETTThe Commercial Secretary to His Majesty's Embassy at; Rio de Janeiro has kept the Department of Overseas Trade fully informed regarding the establishment by the 18 Brazilian Government of a Central Purchasing Commission, and its requirements. The information has been communicated to British manufacturers and given wide publicity. From a report received from the Commercial Secretary on the 9th July, it appears that the commission has not yet made any purchases abroad. The Commercial Secretary and consular officers are under standing instructions to report public calls for tender in Brazil which offer any opportunity for British manufacturers, and, generally, to keep the Department well informed as to the requirements of the public services. The operations of the commission relate only to the requirements of the public services of the Federal Government.
§ Mr. HANNONWhile thanking my hon. Friend for that reply, I would ask, has the Commercial Secretary given any indication of possible forthcoming orders so that British manufacturers might be prepared to tender?
§ Mr. GILLETTI will have that matter inquired into.