HC Deb 17 April 1934 vol 288 c862
1. Captain ERSKINE-BOLST

asked the President of the Board of Trade if his attention has been called to the fact that the trade commercial negotiations with Japan are to be complicated by the introduction of political proposals; and whether he proposes, so far as this country is concerned, to keep these negotiations with Japan on a purely trade basis?

The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the BOARD of TRADE (Dr. Burgin)

I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the reply given yesterday by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs to the hon. Member for Walthamstow, West (Mr. McEntee).

2. Mrs. TATE

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in considering any future agreements with foreign countries, he will make provision that any such agreements do not extend beyond the date of the expiration of the Ottawa Agreements Act, in order that the Government of that time may not be prejudiced when negotiating alterations or revisions of those agreements?

Dr. BURGIN

My hon. Friend's suggestion will be borne in mind.

10. Mr. HALL-CAINE

asked the President of the Board of Trade on what approximate date it is expected that the formal trade negotiations between Great Britain and Poland will commence?

Dr. BURGIN

I hope that it will be possible to begin negotiations in a few weeks' time.