HC Deb 30 April 1953 vol 514 cc118-9W
Mr. K. Thompson

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is yet in a position to make a statement on the question of Brazil's indebtedness to this country.

Mr. P. Thorneycroft

Her Majesty's Government have been exchanging views with the Government of Brazil on this subject for some time past. We have now proposed, and the Government of Brazil have agreed, that formal discussions should open in Rio de Janeiro as soon as possible. We expect them to begin in the second half of May. Her Majesty's Ambassador in Rio de Janeiro will conduct the negotiations and will be assisted by representatives of the Treasury and of the Board of Trade.