§ 13. Mr. HANNONasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that German exporters of machine tools are receiving bounties through a system of blocked marks; if he can make a statement on the effect of such bounties upon British trade in our home market and on British competitive power in markets overseas; and if any action is contemplated by His Majesty's Government?
§ 21. Mr. ALEXANDER RAMSAYasked the President of the Board of Trade if Iris attention has hen drawn to the use of sperrmark and scripsmark currency, having for its object the provision of a bounty on German exports; and what steps he proposes to take to secure British manufacturers against such subsidised competition?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANI am aware of the practice referred to. The whole position is being carefully reviewed and in the meantime I am unable to make any definite statement.
§ Mr. HANNONWhen does the right hon. Gentleman think the process of review will be completed?
§ Mr. LYONSHas the right hon. Gentleman taken any steps to meet the representations made by many industries so affected?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANYes, we have.
§ Mr. RAMSAYIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the operation of this subsidy is prejudicing our interests in countries with which he has concluded trade agreements?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANThis is not a subject that we can get to the bottom of by question and answer. It is very much more difficult than a good many problems which are dealt with here.