HC Deb 11 December 1928 vol 223 c1931W
Sir N. GRATTAN-DOYLE

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been called to the proposal to increase the tariff on foreign cotton materials entering Brazil; and whether, in view of the adverse effect of such proposals on lower quality grades of British cotton goods, he intends to take any action to protect British interests?

Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTER

Proposals for increasing the Brazilian duties on cotton goods were recently under consideration by the Commission which is engaged in the revision of the Brazilian tariff, and the hardships which the proposals entailed on the British export trade were explained to His Majesty's Ambassador. These proposals are not being proceeded with for the present, but an emergency measure has recently been introduced into the Brazilian Congress providing for increases, which, I am given to understand, are of a much less drastic character. The Brazilian Government are being asked to give adequate notice before these new rates are enforced.