asked the Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department how much coffee has been destroyed by Brazil during each of the last three years; and whether he has any statement to make as to the feasibility of the Government entering into negotiation with the Brazilian Government with a view to acquiring such surplus coffee in the current or future years, in whole or in part, towards liquidation of Brazil's indebtedness in respect of loans raised in this country, and for the purpose of being stored against any possible national emergency?

According to figures issued by the National Coffee Department in Brazil, the amount of coffee destroyed was, in 1935, 1936 and 1937 respectively, 1,693,112 bags, 3,731,154 bags and 17,196,428 bags, each bag consisting of 60 kilos. His Majesty's Government do not regard the suggestion in the second part of the question as feasible.

Does the Minister not see that it is impossible for a country like Brazil to repay its indebtedness to us unless we are prepared to accept imports from that country?