HC Deb 28 February 1933 vol 275 cc172-3
31. Mr. HANNON

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware that an understanding has been arrived at with the Danish Government at the Anglo-Danish Exhibition, 1932, that applications for export licences would be accepted on the basis of an exchange of 18.50 kronen to the pound sterling; but that following on this arrangement licences are being issued on the basis of 19.20 kronen to the pound sterling; and if he will invite the Danish Government to implement the undertaking which they have given?

Mr. RUNCIMAN

I am not aware that the Danish Government have given any such undertaking as is described in the first part of the question. The remainder of the question, therefore, does not arise.

Mr. HANNON

Oh, but surely the right hon. Gentleman has been made aware of the negotiations that took place at Copenhagen at the time of the Anglo-Danish Exhibition, and will he take into con- sideration in the negotiations now proceeding the undertaking given by the Danish Government to the British manufacturers?

Mr. RUNCIMAN

But there was not an undertaking of the nature described in this question.

Mr. HANNON

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that at the Anglo-Danish Exhibition specific promises were made to British manufacturers in relation to Danish trade, and are these promises in point of fact now being implemented by the Danes?

Mr. RUNCIMAN

As far as we know, they are.

33. Mr. HANNON

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware that British firms were assured at the Anglo-Danish Exhibition, 1932, at Copenhagen that they would receive licences for at least 45 per cent. of the volume of export to Denmark in 1931; and if this agreement has been carried out by the Danish Government?

Mr. RUNCIMAN

The Danish law provides that in general no importer shall have his imports of any particular class of goods restricted to less than 45 per cent. of the value of the same kind of goods imported by him in 1931, and so far as I am aware this provision is being observed by the Danish licensing authorities.