§ 19. Mr. D. G. SOMERVILLEasked the President of the Board of Trade if he can make any further statement with regard to the possibility of obtaining an agreement with France on the subject of quota cuts in respect of British goods?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANMy hon. Friend will be aware of the Order under Section 12 of the Import Duties Act which was made on 9th February and was laid before the House. For the rest, I have at present nothing to add to the statements I have previously made on this subject.
§ Mr. SOMERVILLEIs there anything in the statement that the French Government have asked our Government to suspend the operation of these increased duties for the moment?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANI am afraid that I cannot give any further information than has already been communicated to the House.
§ Mr. COCKSWill the right hon. Gentleman give sympathetic consideration to the suggestion that, as a conciliatory act towards the French Government, he should suspend the operation of these duties, in order to clear the way to negotiations for a general agreement?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANI will always give sympathetic consideration to any suggestion made by the hon. Gentleman.