HC Deb 29 January 1948 vol 446 c1171
6. Sir Patrick Hannon

asked the President of the Board of Trade the object of the Mission which he proposes to send to Brazil; what plans have been prepared to support the educational work of the Mission; who are the persons appointed; and if he will give details of the programme which the Mission will undertake.

Mr. H. Wilson

The object of this Mission, which will be led by Sir John Wise, and will include representatives of the Treasury, Board of Trade and Bank of England, is to discuss financial and economic matters of mutual interest to the United Kingdom and Brazil, including any difficulties that are at present hampering trade in both directions. The details of the Mission's programme will be a matter for discussion and agreement with the Brazilian authorities when the Mission arrives. As regards the second part of the Question, I am not quite sure what the hon. Member has in mind, but it is part of the normal functions of the Commercial Department of His Majesty's Embassy at Rio de Janeiro—with the support of the Export Promotion Department of the Board of Trade—to draw attention to the advantages of Anglo-Brazilian trade, and in particular the merits of British goods and services.

Sir. P. Hannon

Will the right hon. Gentleman make clear to the House that all the diplomatic influence that can be brought to bear will be given in support of this Mission by the Commercial Attaché?

Mr. Wilson

This Mission will have the full support of all the diplomatic representatives, and we hope it will succeed in removing most of the difficulties which our exporters encounter today.