§ 30. Mr. LEES-JONESasked the President of the Board of Trade if the Import Duties Advisory Committee has reported on the application of the timber trade of this country for duties on imported timber; when the report will be made public; and if, in the negotiations for trade agreements with Sweden and Norway, the timber trades need for duties will be taken into consideration?
§ Lieut.-Colonel COLVILLEThe report of the Import Duties Advisory Committee has just been received and I cannot say when it will be possible to publish it. As regards the last part of the question, I can assure my hon. Friend that during the negotiations with Sweden and Norway, careful consideration was given to the interests of the timber trade in this country. I may add that it is hoped to publish the agreements with these two countries within the next few days.
§ Mr. H. WILLIAMSCan my hon. and gallant Friend say whether the report of the Advisory Committee conflicts in any way with the terms of the agreements?
§ Lieut.-Colonel COLVILLEI am afraid I cannot forecast what will be in the agreements, but they will be published within the next two or three days.
§ Mr. MOLSONWill these agreements be put into force during the currency of the Tariff Truce?
§ Lieut.-Colonel COLVILLEYes, Sir, do not think that there is anything to prevent their being put into force as soon as they can be ratified.