HC Deb 28 February 1933 vol 275 cc171-2
25. Mr. T. WILLIAMS

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether any progress has been made or any settlement arrived at in the negotiations for trade treaties between this country and the Governments of Denmark, Sweden, Holland and the Argentine?

Mr. RUNCIMAN

Negotiations with Argentina, Denmark and Sweden are proceeding; no negotiations with Holland have been undertaken.

Mr. WILLIAMS

Can the right hon. Gentleman state when they are likely to reach an agreement, and will he also tell us what results have been achieved up to date?

Mr. RUNCIMAN

I cannot name a definite date, but they are proceeding satisfactorily.

Sir ARTHUR MICHAEL SAMUEL

Has the right hon. Gentleman succeeded in obtaining a relaxation of the restrictions on exchange by the Argentine Government so that British exporters may receive payment for the goods they have sent to the Argentine?

Mr. RUNCIMAN

That is under discussion at the present moment.

34. Mr. REMER

asked the President of the Board of Trade with which foreign countries negotiations are proceeding which prevent recent recommendations of the Import Duties Advisory Committee from being confirmed?

Mr. RUNCIMAN

It has been deemed advisable to defer a decision on certain recommendations of the Import Duties Advisory Committee in the present stage of the commercial negotiations and discussions with Denmark and Germany.

Mr. REMER

Will the right hon. Gentleman answer that part of my question which asks what countries these are?

Mr. RUNCIMAN

I am afraid I cannot go into that question at the moment.

Mr. REMER

Will the right hon. Gentleman take into consideration that pottery is one of the articles referred to in this recommendation as very large users of coal in this country, and that it would be very valuable for our coal industry?

Mr. RUNCIMAN

We will not allow pottery to slip out of mind.

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