§ 22. Sir Patrick Hannonasked the President of the Board of Trade if the 1032 special Brazilian Government Purchasing Mission has yet arrived in this country; and what plans have been made to establish contact with British trade organisations and firms during the visit of this mission.
§ Mr. MarquandNo, Sir. The Brazilian Purchasing Mission has not yet arrived, nor do we know its composition or its exact requirements. Arrangements for the Mission to make appropriate contacts in this country will be put in hand as soon as we receive the necessary information from the Brazilian Government.
§ Sir P. HannonWill the Board of Trade afford every facility possible to this Mission to make contact with manufacturers in this country when they come here?
§ Mr. MarquandYes, Sir, we shall be delighted to do that.
§ 23. Sir P. Hannonasked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware of the demand in Brazil for imported farm implements and machinery and that these imports are exempted from import duty in Brazil with reduced freight rates on federal-owned railways; and if steps are being taken to accelerate production in this country to meet the needs of the Brazilian market.
§ Mr. MarquandYes, Sir. Every effort is being made by my right hon. Friends the Minister of Agriculture and the Minister of Supply to encourage increased production of agricultural machinery and implements, both for home and export trade, but essential home requirements must have preference.
§ Sir P. HannonAre the requirements of Brazil in this respect communicated to manufacturers in this country?
§ Mr. MarquandYes, Sir, certainly.