HC Deb 01 February 1939 vol 343 cc184-5
13. Sir John Mellor

asked the Prime Minister whether he has any further statement to make with regard to the service of the bonds issued by the Brazilian Government in the United Kingdom?

Mr. Butler

As I informed my hon. Friend the Member for Lincoln (Mr. Liddall) on 23rd November last, the Brazilian President, in the course of a statement published in the Brazilian newspapers on 10th November, declared that his Government continued to be ready to examine with the interested parties any practical scheme which might benefit their creditors and respect the interests of the Bazilian economy. In spite, however, of the above-mentioned declaration, no concrete suggestions have yet been forthcoming as to any resumption of payments in respect of the Brazilian foreign debt, although His Majesty's Ambassador at Rio has continued to direct the attention of the competent Brazilian authorities to the matter. My hon. Friend may rest assured that His Majesty's Government will not lose sight of this question, and that they will, as formerly, afford the fullest support to the Council of Foreign Bondholders in their endeavours to secure acceptable proposals from Brazil.

Mr. Robert Gibson

Have the Government considered the question of accepting Brazilian coffee in part liquidation of sums due under these loans?

Mr. Butler

All due considerations are in the minds of the Council of Foreign Bondholders.

Mr. Gibson

Have the Government taken into account any other relevant considerations besides coffee?

Mr. Butler

Yes, every one.

Mr. Gibson

What are they?