HC Deb 21 January 1930 vol 234 cc3-4
4. Mr. HANNON

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he is now in a position to make a statement on the progress of the negotiations between His Majesty's Government and the Govern- ment of the Argentine Republic for the completion of a trade agreement with special reciprocal advantages between the two countries?

11. Mr. HURD

asked the President of the Board of Trade the terms of the declaration of British policy as made, or to be made, to the Argentine Government in pursuance of the British Ambassador's assurance that this country would not place any duties or any restriction of any kind on foreign imports into Great Britain?

Mr. W. GRAHAM

Arising out of conversations with the D'Abernon Mission, the Argentine Government expressed their willingness to reduce the duties on certain goods of artificial silk in return for a declaration as to the policy of His Majesty's Government with regard to duties and restrictions upon the importation of certain Argentine products into this country. Before any such declaration had been made, the Argentine Government issued a decree reducing by 50 per cent. the duties on yarn and piece goods of pure artificial silk as from 1st January, 1930. As, however, goods of artificial silk mixed with cotton are of much greater importance to our trade than goods of pure artificial silk, the Argentine Government were asked to consider whether the concession could be extended to cover such mixtures. This request is now being considered by the Argentine Government, and, in the meanwhile, the operation of the decree dealing with pure artificial silk goods has been suspended. No declaration has yet been made on behalf of His Majesty's Government.

Mr. HANNON

In point of fact, does not the concession which is promised, or already declared by the Argentine Government as due to commence on 1st January last, apply to every other country having trade relations with the Argentine?

Mr. GRAHAM

I would prefer my hon. Friend to give me notice of that question.

Mr. HURD

Does the British Government confirm the statement made by the British Ambassador as to the character of British policy?

Mr. GRAHAM

I would prefer to see that statement again.