§ 47. Mr. AMERYasked the Lord President of the Council whether he is prepared to give time for the Motion in the name of the right hon. Member for Sparkbrook (Mr. Amery) and other hon. Members on the subject of the trade agreement with Lithuania?—
That this House greatly regrets that the provisions of the trade agreement with Lithuania will, through the operation of 518 the most-favoured-nation clause, extend by a further six months the restrictions contained in the trade agreement with Denmark on our power to safeguard the British production of butter, bacon, hams, and eggs.
§ Mr. BALDWINIn view of the state of public business, I regret that I can hold out no hope of special facilities being granted for this discussion. I would remind my right hon. Friend that opportunities for raising this subject will occur in the normal course of business.
§ 54. Mr. HERBERT WILLIAMSasked the President of the Board of Trade whether, before ratifying the trade agreement with Lithuania, he is prepared to endeavour to arrange that in respect of butter, bacon, ham, and eggs its provisions shall terminate on the same date as the trade agreement with Denmark, namely, 20th June, 1936 instead of on 31st December, 1936?
§ Lieut.-Colonel J. COLVILLE (Secretary, Overseas Trade Department)My right hon. Friend is unable to adopt this suggestion. I would remind my hon. Friend that the agreement with Finland, which contains similar provisions in regard to these commodities, is not due to expire until 23rd November, 1936.
§ Mr. WILLIAMSDoes that mean that the subsidy in respect of milk products will have to be continued for some weeks longer than would otherwise be the case?
§ Lieut.-Colonel COLVILLEMy hon. Friend is not quite correct on a technical point in regard to this question.
§ Mr. WILLIAMSIs not the 31st December later than the 23rd November in most countries?
§ Lieut.-Colonel COLVILLEI cannot discuss the matter within the compass of question and answer, but I could clearly demonstrate to my hon. Friend where he is in error.