HC Deb 26 May 1919 vol 116 cc802-3
11. Colonel LAMBERT WARD

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether an agreement has been entered into with Japan and Italy to allow those countries to import brushes into the United Kingdom to the full extent of their 1916 imports; and, if so, whether the brush-making trade of this country, which is now in a position to supply all home requirements, was considered in this connection?

Sir A. GEDDES

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. The arrangement was made during the War, and provided for reciprocal advantages to this country. The matter is now being considered.

Mr. G. TERRELL

Can the right hon. Gentleman state what those reciprocal advantages are?

Sir A. GEDDES

There is a very large number, a part of the general deal made during the War, and I am not fully informed of all the facts that were before those who entered into the arrangements at the time. All I can say is that it appeared to the Government of the day a satisfactory arrangement, and we now have to stand by it.

Mr. BILLING

Will the right hon. Gentleman put himself in possession of the facts before the Adjournment?

Mr. SPEAKER

Complaint was made on the last occasion that we could not get on with the questions.

Mr. TERRELL

On a point of Order. The answer which my right hon. Friend has given opens a most important matter to the great body of Members of this House, and we desire a great deal more information on this subject. Therefore, I beg leave——

Mr. SPEAKER

The more important the matter is, the more important it is to give notice of it. You cannot expect Ministers to have at their finger-ends all the details and figures for which the hon. Member has asked. If he will give himself the trouble of putting the question down, he can obtain the information.

Mr. BILLING

Am I in order, having regard to the fact that the matter will be raised on the Adjournment, to ask the right hon. Gentleman to put himself in possession of these various facts of which he is ignorant, so as to be able to give satisfactory information on the subject?

Mr. SPEAKER

That hardly requires notice.