HC Deb 05 February 1953 vol 510 cc2004-5
13. Mr. Wade

asked the President of the Board of Trade what progress has been made in the encouragement of trade with Brazil; what steps have been taken to facilitate payment of British exporters for goods sold to purchasers in Brazil; and, in particular, what arrangements have been made to liquidate payments outstanding to British publishers and book exporters.

Mr. P. Thorneycroft

I cannot at present usefully say anything further about trade with Brazil, but I would assure the hon. Member that I shall make a statement as soon as I can do so without prejudice to the object that we both have in mind.

The answer to the last part of the Question is that no such arrangements have been made by Her Majesty's Government.

Mr. Wade

Can the right hon. Gentle-can give any indication of the extent to which outstanding balances are being reduced in favour of British exporters, and what are the prospects for the immediate future?

Mr. Thorneycroft

The first part of that question is on a separate subject. The Question refers to the general policy with regard to settling the overall deficit and, as I have said, I am not in a position to make a statement about that or the immediate future at present. Discussions are proceeding and I think I should only damage the situation by making a statement now.

Mr. Bottomley

Can the Minister say whether the Joint Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, during his recent tour in Latin-America, had talks with the Brazilians and, if so, what were the results?

Mr. Thorneyeroft

In his discussions the Joint Under-Secretary of State naturally covered all these matters and he reported back on his return.