HC Deb 15 February 1955 vol 537 cc18-9W
Commander Maitland

asked the President of the Board of Trade what proposals he has to improve Anglo-Braziliantrade and for inviting a group of Brazilian exporters to this country to enable them to study the British market.

Mr. P. Thorneycroft

It is a matter of regret to Her Majesty's Government that trade with Brazil, a country with which we have such long-established links, is passing through a difficult period, and we should much like to see an early improvement. In recent technical discussions held in Rio de Janeiro, the Brazilian authorities agreed that greater flexibility in payments arrangements between Brazil and her trading partners was desirable so as to afford a basis for increasing trade between Brazil and the United Kingdom. The main factor in the situation is, however, Brazil's ability to sell her goods in this country and we for our part have taken all the necessary steps to free practically all Brazilian exports to this country from import restriction.

As my hon. and gallant Friend is aware, there was last year a proposal that a mission of Brazilian exporters should visit this country so that they might discuss with United Kingdom traders ways of increasing Brazilian exports. I need hardly say that if the Brazilian authorities should decide to send such a mission it would be welcomed warmly by Her Majesty's Government, who would afford it every facility and assistance in establishing the necessary contacts. Her Majesty's Ambassador in Rio de Janeiro discussed this matter with the Brazilian Government at the time and gave them an assurance in this sense.