§ 36. Sir W. DAVISONasked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been drawn to the difficulties experienced by British traders in obtaining payment for goods sent from the United Kingdom to Germany; and whether the Government will further consider the desirability of forming some kind of clearing house which would enable exports and imports to be set off against each other, special regard being had to the fact that the balance of trade is at present in Germany's favour?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANI fully appreciate the difficulties experienced by British exporters to Germany. Certain suggestions have been made to the German Government with a view to meeting these difficulties. Pending the receipt of the German Government's reply, it would be premature for me to make a further statement.
§ Sir W. DAVISONDoes my right hon. Friend realise how reasonable is the suggestion in the question, that when Germany has, as at present, a favourable balance of trade, something should be done to enable payment to be made of the money due from Germany to our traders who export goods to Germany?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANWhen I have received the German Government's reply I shall be prepared to make a further statement.