HC Deb 01 July 1936 vol 314 cc404-5
59. Mr. DODD

asked the President of the Board of Trade the figures of production of cotton-piece goods in the United Kingdom in 1924 and 1934, together with figures of the United Kingdom production of beef in the same years?

The PRESIDENT of the BOARD of TRADE (Mr. Runciman)

As the answer includes a table of figures, I will, with my hon. Friend's permission; circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Following is the answer:

affect the British cotton export trade to the Argentine?

Mr. RUNCIMAN

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. As regards the second part, I am already in possession of the views of the cotton industry, and it is always open to them to make any further representations.

Sir JOSEPH LAMB

Were those views given from the industry direct or through some other body, and will my right hon. Friend give the same facilities to agriculture to put their case before him?

Mr. RUNCIMAN

I am ready to hear from agriculturists or others any views they have to express.

Sir J. LAMB

Is it not a fact that my right hon. Friend refused to accept information from agriculturists direct, and said it must come through some other Department?

Mr. RUNCIMAN

No, not at all.

Captain DOWER

We were told two days ago that the main features of the agreement would be given in a fortnight's time. Shall we have an opportunity of discusing them on that occasion, or must we wait until the agreement is put before us, as has happened so often before, and have to take it or leave it?

Mr. RUNCIMAN

Perhaps my hon. and gallant Friend had better put a question on the Paper on that subject as it refers to the business of the House.

64. Brigadier-General Sir HENRY CROFT

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he can now intimate that the Argentine agreement will be such as to give a definite opportunity for the maintenance and expansion of home and Dominion production of beef?

65. Mr. H. G. WILLIAMS

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether it is proposed to denounce the Anglo-Argentine Trade Agreement on or before 7th July?

66. Mr. LEVY

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he has any statement to make in respect of the negotiations for the revision of the Anglo-Argentine Trade Agreement?

Mr. RUNG IMAN

The negotiations are still proceeding, and therefore I am not yet in a position to make any statement.

Mr. H. G. WILLIAMS

Will my right hon. Friend assure us that 7th July will not be permitted to come without definite action being taken?