§ 39. Mr. T. WILLIAMSasked the President of the Board of Trade whether, before entering into any further negotiations with foreign exporters restricting the importation of meat from certain 1608 South American countries, having regard to the probable effect on the coming World Economic Conference, he will ensure that the agreement of the Governments of the countries where meat is the main export is obtained?
§ Dr. BURGINHis Majesty's Government are doing everything possible to ensure that these measures are carried out in agreement with the Governments of the countries concerned.
§ Mr. WILLIAMSIs the hon. Gentleman aware that the Governments referred to were disturbed at the result of the action in connection with the temporary agreement?
§ Dr. BURGINThat is not my information, but just the contrary.
§ Lieut.-Colonel ACLAND-TROYTEWill the hon. Gentleman consider the British farmer, and not foreign Governments?
§ 8. Mr. WILLIAMSasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has received any representations from the Governments of South American countries with respect to the recent negotiations restricting the importation of meat from those countries?
§ Mr. EDENYes, Sir. Discussions have been taking place with certain of the interested Governments in regard to the provisional arrangements for the restriction of the import of meat, and the position is as stated by my hon. Friend the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Trade in his answer to the hon. Member yesterday.
§ Mr. WILLIAMSDo I understand the hon. Gentleman to imply that particular foreign Governments were dissatisfied with the methods employed, but that, now that negotiations are direct, they are quite satisfied?
§ Mr. EDENI should not like the hon. Member to assume that there have been any irregularities. There have been none. The procedure has been quite normal.