HC Deb 17 April 1934 vol 288 cc872-4
64. Sir PERCY HARRIS

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether he can publish the correspondence, if any, that has passed between this country and the Dominion of New Zealand regarding the restriction of butter imports; and whether there has been any suggestion on the part of that Dominion that there should be a reduction on their part of duties on manufactured goods in return for the removal of restrictions on imports from their Dominion?

The SECRETARY of STATE for DOMINION AFFAIRS (Mr. J. H. Thomas)

I am arranging for the early-publication of the telegraphic correspondence recently exchanged with His Majesty's Government in New Zealand in regard to dairy produce. As regards the second part of the question, I have nothing to add to my reply to a question addressed to me by the hon. Member for South Shields (Mr. Johnstone) on 28th March.

Sir P. HARRIS

Is it not a fact that there has been an offer of some kind from New Zealand that she is prepared to let in goods from this country if we will allow her to supply a full quantity of their produce to us?

Mr. THOMAS

I have already indicated that I am arranging for the correspondence to be published. The hon. Member will draw his own deductions when he sees it.

Sir WILLIAM WAYLAND

Is it not a fact that New Zealand buys more manufactured goods per head from us than any other country in the world

Viscountess ASTOR

And sell us the best butter?

Mr. THOMAS

That is true, and we buy 98 per cent. of the New Zealand produce.

63. Mr. EDWARD WILLIAMS (for Mr. DAVID GRENFELL)

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs what negotiations have taken place with regard to prolonging the provisions of the Ottawa Agreement beyond the date originally laid down; and what representations have been made on behalf of New Zealand with a view to reciprocal arrangements which will enable imports of New Zealand butter and cheese to be maintained?

Mr. THOMAS

I presume that the hon. Member has in mind not the provisions of the Ottawa Agreements as a whole, but the particular provisions relating to meat, which expire on 30th June next, and dairy produce, which expire on 20th August, 1935. No negotiations with a view to extending the periods specified in these provisions have taken place. As regards the second part of the question, no representations of the kind indicated have been made by His Majesty's Government in New Zealand, but I am arranging for the early publication of correspondence with His Majesty's Government in New Zealand which indicates the position.