§ 48. Colonel WEDGWOODasked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that British manufacturers of, and merchants dealing in, sulphate of copper and spraying mixtures exported to France are being ruined through the action of the French Government with regard to certain contracts; and what action he proposes to take?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the BOARD of TRADE (Mr. Bridgeman)The Prime Minister has asked me to answer this question. I am aware of the heavy losses with which certain firms dealing in these commodities are threatened by the repudiation of contracts by French importers consequent on the lowering of the price by the French Government, and my right hon. Friend has 867 made representations to the French Government with a view to the alleviation of this hardship in respect of contracts covered by an agreement made between that Government and the Board of Trade in July, 1918.
§ Colonel WEDGWOODWill His Majesty's Government bear in mind the possibility of increasing the duty on French wines coming into this country if they do not treat our manufacturers fairly? May I have an answer to that question? It is an important one.