§ 63. Sir H. CROFTasked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been called to the Japanese economic threat to Australia; and whether he will bear in mind the growing trade of British textiles in Australia and take all possible steps to reciprocate the preference granted by Australia to British goods in view of the Japanese action?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANAs regards the first part of the question, I understand that in connection with trade measures recently introduced by the Commonwealth Government, the Japanese Government 407 are taking certain steps affecting imports from Australia. As I said on 26th May, I recognise that the action which the Commonwealth Government have taken in regard to textiles should be of substantial benefit to United Kingdom trade. The Ottawa Agreement with Australia provided mutual trade advantages for Australia and this country, and the possibilities of further developing trade between the two countries are constantly in mind.
§ Sir H. CROFTCan my right hon. Friend answer the question whether they will in fact be embodied in the Argentine Agreement?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANI am afraid that I cannot at the present time.
§ Sir P. HARRISDoes not the right hon. Gentleman think it is advisable in any action he may take to break the atmosphere that trade is economic war, and recognise that trade is the mutual interest of all the countries concerned?
§ Mr. E. J. WILLIAMSWill the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind the effect of the Argentine Agreement on the South Wales coal trade?