§ 7. Sir REGINALD CRADDOCKasked the Secretary of State for India whether negotiations have yet been commenced 801 for an ad interim trade agreement between the Government of India and the Government of Burma; and what steps are being taken to safeguard the interest of the trade of the United Kingdom with Burma?
§ Sir S. HOAREConversations have been in progress during the past three months between representatives of the Government of Burma and the Government of India with a view to concerting an arrangement, valid for a specified period after separation, the main purpose of which is to regulate the trade relations between Burma and the rest of India which might otherwise be disturbed by their political separation.
§ Sir R. CRADDOCKCould the right hon. Gentleman answer the last part of the question regarding the steps taken to safeguard the interests of the trade of the United Kingdom?
§ Sir S. HOAREI could not hear.
§ Sir R. CRADDOCKI asked whether the Secretary of State can answer the last clause of my question which relates to the steps taken to safeguard the interests of the trade of the United Kingdom with Burma?
§ Sir S. HOAREYes, Sir, certainly. This and other matters, which are relevant to the questions primarily under discussion, are being kept in mind.