HC Deb 14 April 1953 vol 514 c24
31. Mr. K. Thompson

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will make a statement about the progress of the talks between Her Majesty's Government and the Government of Brazil on the question of Brazil's indebtedness to this country.

Mr. Mackeson

There have so far been no formal discussions between Her Majesty's Government and the Government of Brazil on this question. As I said in reply to my hon. Friend's Question on 22nd January, we have had certain exchanges of views with the Brazilian Ambassador in London, and Her Majesty's Ambassador in Rio de Janeiro has also had informal talks with the Brazilian authorities. But I hope to make a statement on this subject very shortly.

Mr. Thompson

Would my hon. Friend bear in mind that this is a matter of very great importance, which is causing considerable anxiety to British exporters to Brazil, many of whom have large sums of money tied up in commodities they have sent out there already? Will he do his best to expedite these discussions and his statement to the House?

Mr. Mackeson

Yes, Sir. My right hon. Friend is well aware of that.