§ 19. Mr. L. SMITHasked the President of the Board of Trade in which cases action has been taken to impose special tariffs or quotas against the imports of those nations who have been guilty of discrimination with regard to the imports of British goods or exchange control limiting the funds available to pay for such imports; and whether any nations are continuing such action at the present time?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANAs regards the first part of the question, the only case in which action has been taken under existing legislation is that of France. In view of the application to United Kingdom goods of quotas which His Majesty's Government regarded as discriminatory a special duty was imposed on certain French goods in February, 1934. As regards the second part of the question, the dispute between the two countries was terminated by the conclusion of the Anglo-French Trade Agreement of June, 1934.
§ Mr. SMITHMay I ask whether the right hon. Gentleman proposes to take any action to check the growing practice of building ships abroad in order that the firms ordering these ships may obtain payment of goods already delivered from this country?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANI cannot answer that question without notice.
Lieut.-Colonel SANDEMAN ALLENDoes the right hon. Gentleman realise how serious this matter is becoming? Does he not intend to take any action?