§ 13. Mr. LIDDALLasked the President of the Board of Trade if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the imports from Latvia in 1933 were 122 per cent. greater than our total exports to that country; and what steps he proposes to take to bring about a favourable modification in respect of the import restrictions imposed by Latvia?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANI am aware of the fact to which my hon. Friend calls attention. The position greatly improved, however, in 1933, as compared with previous years and it is the object of His Majesty's Government in the commercial negotiations now taking place, to secure further improvement.
§ Mr. LIDDALLIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that firms in my constituency are very seriously affected by the present state of affairs; and is he prepared to receive representations from me on the matter?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANYes, Sir, I should be very glad to receive any information which my hon. Friend has to give me.
§ Mr. HANNONWill my right hon. Friend tell the House when he expects the negotiations with Latvia to be completed?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANI could not say without notice.
§ Sir M. WOODDo not these figures refer to visible exports and imports, and, as such, are they not a misleading index of the trade which is going on between these countries?