§ 43. Mr. DAVID GRENFELLasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is considering the possibility of increasing the trade between the United Kingdom and Austria, and particularly in regard to increasing the sale of British coal to Austria and of purchasing Austrian timber in return?
Mr. RUNCI MANI am always ready to consider methods of developing trade between the United Kingdom and Austria, but the possible purchase of Austrian timber would appear to be primarily a question for the trades concerned.
Mr. G RENFELLIs not the Minister of opinion that there is a possibility of direct and immediate trade between this country and Austria in the way suggested?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANThat is so, and I have no doubt the trades concerned will take advantage of it.
Mr. G REN FELLIs not the Minister prepared to give encouragement and assistance to these trades, and does he not contemplate the possibility of a trade agreement between ourselves and Austria?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANIn so far as encouragement is assistance, they certainly shall have it.