HC Deb 23 June 1936 vol 313 c1569
13. Mr. BOULTON

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that exports to Spain are experiencing considerable difficulty and delay in receiving payments in spite of the Anglo-Spanish payments agreement; and will he make representations to the Spanish Government with a view to the agreement being strictly adhered to?

Mr. RUNCIMAN

The delay in receiving payments in sterling is primarily due to the large amount of arrears outstanding. His Majesty's Government have therefore proposed that the arrears should be liquidated by a special payment outside the clearing, but the Spanish Government have not, up to the present, agreed to the adoption of this course. If my hon. Friend will bring to my notice any cases in which it is considered that the Spanish Government have not strictly adhered to the terms of the agreement, I will look into the matter.