HC Deb 22 January 1953 vol 510 cc47-8W
54. Mr. K. Thompson

asked the President of the Board of Trade what consultations have taken place with the Brazilian Government with a view to resolving the difficulties at present hampering trade between Britain and Brazil; and when he expects to be able to make a statement.

Mr. Mackeson

Since the discussions in Rio de Janeiro, to which I referred in my answer to my hon. Friend's Question on 25th November last, we have had certain exchanges of view with the Brazilian Ambassador in London and I hope that more formal consultations will be started at an early date. Meanwhile, any statement on the difficult questions involved would be premature, and I can only say that I shall make a statement as soon as I can do so without prejudice to our efforts to reach a satisfactory agreement.

55. Mr. K. Thompson

asked the President of the Board of Trade the amount outstanding at the latest date due to British manufacturers and traders for goods exported to Brazil; and what part of this total is covered by policies issued by the Export Credits Guarantee Department.

Mr. Mackeson

It is estimated that the amount oustanding in respect of goods already exported to Brazil was £56 million at the end of December last and £53 million at the end of November. Of the latter figure the amount covered by policies issued by the Export Credits Guarantee Department was approximately £20 million; figures for December are not yet available.

56. Mr. K. Thompson

asked the President of the Board of Trade what further consultations have taken place between his Department and the company proposing to export jet aircraft to Brazil in exchange for Brazilian cotton; what advice he has given to the aircraft company; and what representations other traders have made to him about the consequent worsening of their position if this deal is allowed to proceed.

Mr. Mackeson

The answer to the first two parts of the Question is none. As to the last part of the Question, I have received a large number of representations. But the transaction to which my hon. Friend refers is not between Governments, and the position of the Board of Trade in this matter was explained by my right hon. Friend in reply to a Question by my hon. Friend on 13th November last.