§ Mr. ATTLEE(by Private Notice) asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he can make any statement as to the progress of the trade negotiations with Argentina?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANI am happy to be able to inform the House that the trade negotiations with Argentina have now been concluded, and that the provisions of a new trade agreement have been settled. The agreement which is being prepared for signature will take effect provisionally, pending the exchange of ratifications, as from 20th November. The text of the agreement will be published as a White Paper as soon as possible after signature.
§ Sir A. M. SAMUELWill the House have an opportunity of discussing it?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANAny question of time being given for a, Debate on the Agreement must be addressed to the Leader of the House.
§ Mr. LAMBERTBefore the Agreement comes into operation, will it be ratified by Parliament?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANWe shall follow precedent quite strictly.
§ Mr. SHINWELLCan the right hon. Gentleman give an assurance that the Agreement provides for proper treatment being accorded to British coal?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANThat is one of the things that are affected by it.
§ Sir PERCY HARRISAre we right in gathering that the Agreement is already in operation?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANI have stated that it will take effect provisionally as from 20th November.
§ Sir A. M. SAMUELHas the Argentine Legislative Assembly come to any conclusion in the matter of co-ordinating national transport facilities?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANI could not answer on a detail of that kind without notice.