§ 76. Mr. CLARRYasked the President of the Board of Trade when he anticipates the completion of a trade agreement with Italy; and whether the question of coal supplies from Monmouthshire is receiving consideration in his negotiations?
§ Lieut.-Colonel J. COLVILLE (Secretary, Overseas Trade Department)With regard to the first part of the question, I am not in a position to make a state- 540 in the United Kingdom during the year 1932; and what proportion of such value was represented by home production?.
§ Mr. ELLIOTThe latest available figures are contained in the Report of the Agricultural Output and Food Supplies of Great Britain published in 1929 and are based on the period 1924-1927. An extract from this report showing in respect of the various foodstuffs normally produced in Great Britain the estimated values of home production and of total supplies, and showing also the proportion of home production to total supplies is being circulated in the OFFICIAL REPORT.
§ Following is the extract:
§ ment. The question of securing improved outlets for Welsh and Monmouth coal in foreign markets is, however, being kept in view.
§ Mr. CLARRYCan the hon. and gallant Member give any reason why large contracts usually placed by parties interested in the consumption of Welsh and Monmouthshire coal about this time of the year are being held up at the present time?
§ Lieut.-Colonel COLVILLENo. I can only say in answer to the hon. Member that this matter is being kept in view.
§ Mr. STOREYCan the hon. and gallant Member assure the House that the shipping subsidy paid by Italy will be considered in these negotiations?