HC Deb 30 June 1931 vol 254 cc1042-3
24. Colonel GRETTON

asked the President of the Board of Trade, in view of the variations in the import price of manufactured fuel from Germany, Holland, Belgium, and other countries not specifically mentioned, what is the technical description and the amounts of the several kinds of manufactured fuels imported from these countries, respectively, and which are the foreign countries not specifically mentioned in the trade returns?

Mr. W. GRAHAM

I will circulate in the OFFICIAL REPORT a statement showing the quantity and value of manufactured fuel imported into the United Kingdom, distinguishing the countries whence this commodity was consigned. I regret that information is not available showing separate particulars of the various technical descriptions of manufactured fuel included in these imports.

Colonel GRETTON

Which of the other countries are grouped together and not mentioned specifically?

Mr. GRAHAM

I should require notice of that.

of Trade whether he can state the decision of the Economic Committee of the League of Nations with reference to the convocation of a conference to effect the entry into force of the commercial convention of 28th March, 1930?

Mr. W. GRAHAM

I understand that the Committee came to the conclusion that the time was not yet ripe for the convocation of such a conference, but that a new situation which might make it possible to re-consider the question would arise if the negotiations initiated by this country with a view to effecting a lowering of Customs Tariffs achieved some tangible result.

Mr. SAMUEL

In view of the fact that more than a year has elapsed since the right hon. Gentleman made the proposals for a Tariff Truce, will he now tell the House what benefit has accrued from them to this country?

Mr. GRAHAM

These are necessarily very long negotiations, but I am still hopeful that they will achieve results.

Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTER

Is it not The case that, although the negotiations are very long, the benefits are very short?