HC Deb 06 February 1934 vol 285 cc948-9
20. Mr. D. G. SOMERVILLE

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he can make any statement with regard to the progress of the trade negotiations with France; and if he will give an undertaking that the recent additional restrictions imposed on British imports by France will not be taken into account in connection with assessing the value of the concessions made by France to our trade under any fresh trade agreement?

Mr. RUNCIMAN

There are no negotiations in progress for a new trade agreement; and His Majesty's Government could not enter into such negotiations on the unequal basis constituted by the discrimination imposed against our trade.

Mr. GEORGE HALL

In the event of negotiations beginning with France in the next few months, will the right hon. Gentleman keep the position of coal exports in mind?

Mr. RUNCIMAN

Certainly.

Mr. LIDDALL

Will the right hon. Gentleman also bear in mind that oil engines prior to the 1st January, 1934, never had a quota and that figures supposed to be based on the imports of 1932 are entirely fictitious?

Mr. RUNCIMAN

We will certainly bear that in mind.

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