§ 44. Mr. RANKINasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he has under consideration the conclusion of a trade agreement with China and, if not, whether, in view of the importance of China for a market for British textiles, he will consider the advisability of entering into early negotiations with a view to such an end?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANIn present circumstances it is not possible to undertake negotiations for the conclusion of a general trade agreement with China, but the situation is being watched, and I can assure my hon. Friend that every possible opportunity will be taken for assisting British trade in China.