Sir 0. PHILIPPSasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department whether his attention has been drawn to statements made in the British Press to the effect that the Government of Brazil has concluded a commercial treaty with Belgium whereby, as alleged, an abatement of 20 per cent. of the duties of various goods is granted by Brazil in favour of imports from Belgium; and whether, if such statements are correct, similar imports, into Brazil from Great Britain will have the benefit of the most-favoured-nation Clause, and therefore be entitled to a similar 20 per cent. abatement of duty?
§ Sir R. HORNEI am aware of the preference to Belgium to which the hon. Member refers. A protest has been addressed to the Brazilian Government, but there is no treaty between this country and Brazil under which mostfavoured-nation treatment can be claimed for British goods.