HC Deb 21 June 1933 vol 279 cc756-7
29 and 30. Mr. ROBINSON

asked the President of the Board of Trade (1) whether, under the Danish system of the restriction of imports by means of exchange certificates, there has recently been any reduction of the import quota below 45 per cent. so far as Great Britain is concerned; and whether Great Britain receives more favourable treatment than other countries;

(2) whether, since the Danish system of licensing imports by means of exchange certificates restricts the opportunities for the development of the British export trade in manufactured goods to Denmark, he will open negotiations with a view to securing some modification of the scheme favourable to British manufacturers?

Lieut.-Colonel COLVILLE (Secretary, Overseas Trade Department)

Under the Danish import control system importers of certain classes of goods have to obtain licences from the Danish authorities and there is a provision that in general an importer's licence is not to be retricted to an amount less than 45 per cent. of the value of his imports in 1931. Definite quotas are not allotted to the countries from which goods are imported. I have no reason to think that the system is operating to the disadvantage of the United Kingdom trade, but this matter is being carefully watched.