§ 31. Mr. HANNONasked the Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department whether he has received an intimation of the proposed increase of import duties on woollen yarns and cloths imported into Brazil to come into operation in July 18 next; if new duties are also in contemplation to apply to cotton yarns and jute and hemp yarns; and whether any representations to the Brazilian Government, in relation to these duties, have been made through the commercial secretariat at Rio de Janeiro?
§ Mr. GILLETTI would refer the hon. Member to the answer which I gave on 27th April to the hon. and gallant Member for the Isle of Wight (Captain Macdonald) of which I am sending him a copy.
§ 32. Mr. HANNONasked the Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department whether his attention has been called to the decree issued by the Brazilian Government, dated 7th March last, which prohibits or limits by rigid regulation the import of machinery and apparatus into Brazil; and if appropriate measures have been taken through diplomatic channels to safeguard British trade interests under the operation of this order?
§ Mr. GILLETTThe answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative: particulars of the Decree in question were published in the Board of Trade Journal of 12th March. The avowed object of the Decree is to curtail over-production in Brazil. No representations have up to the present been made to the Brazilian Government, but the matter is under constant observation, with a view to the taking of any possible action to safeguard any British trade interests which may be prejudicially affected.
§ Mr. HANNONIs the hon. Member in communication with the Association of British Chambers of Commerce and other trade organisations, in order to determine for himself what interests are affected?
§ Mr. GILLETTI presume that if any firm is affected by the regulation they will communicate with us to see what can be done.