HC Deb 10 July 1934 vol 292 cc157-9
22. Mr. BURNETT

asked the Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department whether he is aware that the despatch of salmon grilse and trout to Paris via Dieppe has from time to time been held up for want of a legalised certificate demanded by the French Customs authorities; and whether, to avoid the losses entailed, he will in future issue

Mr. RUNCIMAN

Particulars of the aggregate value of our trade in merchandise with individual countries are normally compiled in respect of calendar years and quarterly periods only. I will circulate in the OFFICIAL REPORT a statement showing, in respect of the periods most nearly approximating to those mentioned in the question, and for which information is available, particulars of the merchandise trade balance with those countries with which trade agreements have been concluded during the past three years.

Following is the statement:

advices whenever such restrictions are to be imposed?

Lieut. - Colonel JOHN COLVILLE (Secretary, Overseas Trade Department)

Yes, Sir. I am aware that some inconvenience was caused when this regulation was first imposed in February of this year on the importation of salmon into France, but no recent difficulties have come to my notice. I could not, of course, undertake to give advice in anticipation of changes in foreign regulations, but in case of uncertainty my Department is always ready to give to inquirers the latest information available.

Mr. BURNETT

Is my hon. and gallant Friend aware that these British firms have to rely on notices from their French clients, and that one local firm in two consignments lately suffered a loss of £50; and would it not be well that the Overseas Trade Department should give some previous notice?

Lieut.-Colonel COLVILLE

My hon. Friend must be under some misunderstanding, because a notice of this change was given within a few days of its being made and was published in the "Board of Trade Journal." There has been no change since then, as far as I know.