Anglo-Brazilian Trade

HC Deb 25 June 1953 vol 516 c2072

6. Mr. Blackburn

asked the President of the Board of Trade when he expects to be able to make a statement on the question of Anglo-Brazilian trade.

Mr. P. Thorneycroft

I cannot say. The recent Ministerial changes in Brazil have naturally delayed the exploratory discussions which have been taking place, but I understand that those discussions will soon be resumed.

Mr. Blackburn

Does not the President of the Board of Trade realise that this is a most important matter, particularly for a great number of our exporters? Does he not think that his Department has had sufficient time to reach a conclusion on the matter, because the problem has been before us since July or August of 1951?

Mr. Thorneycroft

I can only wish that this was a matter exclusively within the control of my own Department, but we are engaged on very difficult negotiations with the Government of Brazil and I am not able to say when a successful outcome can be announced.