§ 29. Mr. Buchananasked the President of the Board of Trade to what extent Her Majesty's Government participate in the furthering of trade with Latin America.
§ Mr. MasonAll the Government's usual services to exporters are available for trade with Latin America, and exporters to that area receive the same assistance from my Department as exporters trading to any other part of the world.
§ Mr. BuchananWhile thanking my hon. Friend for that reply, may I ask if he is aware that some manufacturers' associations complain that exports to that particular area are being hampered by a lack of sympathy and credit facilities on the part of the Government? Would my hon. Friend give an assurance that the Government will give every help and assistance to exporters?
§ Mr. MasonYes, Sir. As my hon. Friend knows, we have already set up a Committee for Exports to Latin America. This is stimulating interest among people in this country in the possibilities of trade with Latin America. At this moment 1534 50 per cent. of the trade with Latin America is covered by E.C.G.D. credit facilities.
§ Mr. BessellIn view of the considerable expansion of trade from Japan and West Germany with Latin America, is this matter receiving priority? If not, will it receive urgent attention, because I think that it is true that we are losing a considerable amount of potential trade with that part of the world?
§ Mr. Emrys HughesIs the Minister co-operating with the arms salesman, in order to export arms to South America, and if so, is he co-operating with the United States of America, and what do they think of this?