§ 6. Sir WILLIAM DAVISONasked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been called to the fact that the Danish Government has refused to grant import licences to Danish nationals who desire to import British goods into Denmark, notwithstanding the large trade balance in favour of Denmark as against Great Britain; and what action has been taken by the British Government in the matter?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the BOARD of TRADE (Dr. Burgin)The action of the Danish Government in reducing the value of licences for the import of certain United Kingdom goods during the first four months of the present year has already been the subject of representations to that Government.
§ Sir W. DAVISONCan my hon. Friend say what is the result of these representations and whether it does not seem unneighbourly, to say the least, that this embargo should be put on our goods when there is a trade balance in favour of Denmark and we take such a large amount of their agricultural supplies?
§ Dr. BURGINAll these points are being borne in mind, but we had better wait for the reply.
§ Mr. HANNONWas the action of the Danish Government within the four corners of the Trade Agreement?
§ Dr. BURGINIt is in reference to that point that the representations have been addressed to Denmark.
§ Captain DOWERHow long ago did we make representations to the Danish Government?
§ Dr. BURGINThe representations have not been replied to in full to the satisfaction of His Majesty's Government. I do not know whether there is any point as to the actual date; if so, I will ascertain it and communicate with the hon. Gentleman.