§ 33 and 55. Mr. CHORLTONasked (1) the Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department whether, in view of the detrimental effect of the standstill agreement with Central and Eastern Europe on the traders of this country, he will consider taking steps to arrange for some form of barter agreement with the countries concerned; 881 (2) the President of the Board of Trade the policy of the Government with regard to the restrictions by foreign Governments on the payment of trade debts due to British traders?
§ Mr. COLVILLEI cannot yet add anything to the reply which I gave to my hon. Friend last Tuesday.
§ Mr. CHORLTONIs my hon. Friend really aware of the very serious effect this is having on the traders of this country, particularly in the North?
§ Mr. COLVILLEYes, I am aware of the fact, and I am pressing on. In fact, I am having a meeting with experts to-day.
§ 54. Mr. LEES-JONESasked the President of the Board of Trade if he can give any information as to what steps have been decided upon by the Government to induce foreign Governments which have restricted payments for goods imported into their respective countries, and exported from this country, to modify their restrictions?
§ Mr. COLVILLEThe policy of His Majesty's Government continues to be directed to securing that British trade interests receive treatment not less favourable than is accorded to those of any other country, and representations have been made where necessary to secure equitable treatment for British traders. I would also refer to the statement which I made on Tuesday last in reply to questions by my hon. Friends the Members for North Bradford (Mr. Ramsden) and the Member for Platting (Mr. Chorlton).
§ Mr. THORNEIs it not a fact that every country in the world wants to sell and does not want to buy?
§ Mr. CHORLTONIs it not a fact that other nations are getting better treatment than ourselves from Germany?
§ Mr. COLVILLEWherever there has been evidence of discrimination the Government have not hesitated to make representations.