§ 43. Mr. Sutcliffeasked the President of the Board of Trade if he will state the position as regards the purchase of raw cotton in Brazil; and what steps he is taking to arrange for a greater export of cotton goods to that market.
§ Mr. H. StraussIn answer to the first part of the Question, it is for the Raw Cotton Commission and for those spinners who decide to buy independently to determine, on commercial grounds and within the limits imposed on their expenditure of non-dollar currency, how much cotton they take from Brazil. In answer to the second part, we will naturally do all we can to facilitate entry of our textiles into overseas markets, but Brazil prohibits almost completely the importation of cotton piece goods from all countries.
§ Mr. SutcliffeCould my hon. and learned Friend say whether the opportunity has been taken to meet the business representatives from Brazil who are now visiting Europe? Further, is there any opportunity of going back to barter trading, which came to an end last year?
§ Mr. StraussI should like notice of the first part of the supplementary. I do not think it is proposed to go back to barter.