§ 35. Dr. LEECHasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will 361 obtain from the British Chamber of Commerce in Spain a statement showing the principal obstacles to the importation of British coal and goods into Spain; and will he then appoint a committee to examine the statement for the purpose of suggesting to him a line of action preparatory to drawing up a new Anglo-Spanish trade agreement to supplant that of 1922?
§ Lieut.-Colonel COLVILLEMy right hon. Friend is at all times ready to give careful consideration to any representations made by the British Chamber of Commerce in Spain, and the appointment of a committee to consider such representations would not seem necessary.
§ Sir ARTHUR MICHAEL SAMUELWill the hon. and gallant Member ask the British Chambers of Commerce in Spain and find out whether Spanish importers complain that they have difficulty in buying of us because British firms quote in English instead of in Spanish and use British weights, measures and money terms instead of Spanish weights, measures and money terms?
§ Lieut-Colonel COLVILLEI will make a note of the suggestion.
§ Mr. GODFREY NICHOLSONIs the hon. and gallant Member aware that there is an impression among British coal exporters that there are obstacles in the way of the export of British coal to Spain, and will be see that something is done to dispel their fears or remove the cause?
§ Sir A. M. SAMUELIs the hon. and gallant Member aware that the British Chambers of Commerce in Spain have made inquiries into this matter of obstacles, and will he ask them to let him know the result of their inquiries?
§ Lieut.-Colonel COLVILLEI have no doubt that we shall receive the result of their inquiries shortly.
§ Mr. PETHERICKIs it not the case that one of the difficulties is the restrictions on the exchange in Spain, and will he use his endeavours to get these restrictions on British goods removed?
§ Lieut.-Colonel COLVILLEAll relevant questions will be borne in mind.