HC Deb 03 March 1936 vol 309 c1174
24. Mr. LOUIS SMITH

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been called to the fact that Cuba, which is by far the largest supplier of sugar to this country, takes a negligible quantity of British goods in exchange; and whether he will endeavour to conclude a trade agreement with the Cuban Government?

Mr. RUNCIMAN

I am aware that the value of our imports from Cuba greatly exceeds that of our exports to Cuba. The position is being closely watched, but I am not at present satisfied that the prospect of securing adequate advantages for the British interests concerned is sufficient to justify negotiations for a trade agreement.

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