HC Deb 17 March 1955 vol 538 c1435
13. Mr. K. Thompson

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will make a statement about Anglo-Brazilian trade

Mr. P. Thorneycroft

I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer which I gave to my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for Horncastle (Commander Maitland), on 15th February last.

Mr. Thompson

Yes, Sir, but is my right hon. Friend aware that, as time passes and no positive steps are taken in this matter, there is a growing concern about the situation, and will he please look at all aspects of it with a view to assisting those who want to sell to Brazil as well as those in Brazil who want to buy from us?

Mr. Thorneycroft

I am not sure what my hon. Friend means by "positive steps," but if he has any specific proposals to put to me, short of my asking the Chancellor of the Exchequer to take over all bad debts, whether the traders were insured or not, I shall be happy to look at them.

Mr. Erroll

On a point of order. Can you, Mr. Speaker, tell the House what has happened to the Opposition Front Bench today?

Mr. Horace E. Holmes

Perhaps the hon. Gentleman has forgotten that it is St. Patrick's Day.

Mr. Speaker

It has nothing to do with me.