§ 21. Mr. LEES-JONESasked the President of the Board of Trade if he can give the House any information in regard to the progress of the inquiry which he promised should be undertaken, on behalf of the Government, by the Import Duties Advisory Committee into the Canadian application for a restriction of the imports of Russian wood into this country?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANSince this matter was referred to the Import Duties Advisory Committee it has been the subject of further discussion between His Majesty's Governments in the United Kingdom and in Canada, and we have also been in communication with the Soviet Government. I am not in a position to make any further statement at present.
§ Brigadier-General NATIONWill the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind, if there is to be any considerable change over in the importation of wood into this country from Russia to Canada, the possible distress and increased unemployment that might thereby be caused to ports on the east coast of England?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANYes.