§ 50. Captain ARCHIBALD RAMSAYasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that the present uncertainty regarding the French import licences for 1935 is likely, if prolonged, to be injurious to the fine-cloth manufacturers on Tweedside and in Yorkshire; and whether he can give the House any information on the subject?
§ Lieut.-Colonel J. COLVILLE (Secretary, Overseas Trade Department)I am aware that there is some uncertainty regarding the French import 1819 licences for woollen tissues for 1935, but I have no reason to think that there will be any changes injurious to United Kingdom trade. Efforts are being made to obtain the earliest possible information of any changes that may be made.
§ Captain RAMSAYWill my hon. and gallant Friend exercise every legitimate form of pressure in order to secure a satisfactory proportion of the trade for this country, and will he make an announcement as soon as possible in order to allay doubts in the trade?
§ Lieut.-Colonel COLVILLEIn recent trade negotiations we have reached understanding regarding quantities, and for this reason I do not think there will be any changes injurious to British trade. We are watching the position.