HC Deb 20 June 1933 vol 279 cc627-9
14. Mr. REMER

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he has yet had any conversations or negotiations with France with regard to making a trade agreement between Great Britain and that country?

Lieut.-Colonel COLVILLE

The matter has been mentioned informally in con-

Mr. SPEAKER

That does not arise out of the question on the Paper.

Following is the statement:

versations, but no negotiations are in progress, nor have any arrangements been made for opening negotiations.

Mr. REMER

Will my hon. and gallant Friend give an assurance that the pledge given to the silk industry by the Chancellor of the Exchequer in his Budget speech will be strictly honoured?

25. Mr. LAWSON

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether it is proposed to give the House an opportunity of discussing the trade agreements with Denmark, Norway, Sweden and Argentina; and, if so, if he can state the date?

Lieut.-Colonel COLVILLE

The trade agreements with Denmark and Argentina were debated in this House on the 10th May last. As regards the agreements with Norway and Sweden, these were laid before the House on the 16th May last in accordance with the arrangements under which agreements of this nature are laid before the House prior to ratification. I have no doubt that, if there is a desire to debate these agreements, a request will be made through the usual channels.

Mr. LAWSON

Can the hon. and gallant Gentleman tell us when these agreements are to become operative?

Lieut.-Colonel COLVILLE

No, Sir, I cannot give an exact date; it depends on the Finance Bill which is now going through Parliament.

Mr. HANNON

Will my hon. and gallant Friend represent to the President of the Board of Trade that there is a feeling in this House that these agreements should be debated?

Lieut.-Colonel COLVILLE

I have indicated in my answer that arrangements for such a Debate might be made through the usual channels.

Mr. LAWSON

Is the hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that there has been no result from the German Trade Agreement as far as the coal trade of this country is concerned, and that pits are lying idle or are being closed down?

Lieut.-Colonel COLVILLE

My hon. Friend is not in possession of the facts.

Lieut.-Colonel ACLAND-TROYTE

Do the "usual channels" mean that, if our side want a Debate, we cannot do anything?