§ 78. Lieut. - Commander TUFNELLasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he can give an assurance that, in any steps which may be taken during the current year to negotiate the revision of the trade agreement between this country and Finland, Latvia, Sweden, or Norway, regard will be had to the fact that the imports into this country of planed or dressed timber have more than doubled during the past 10 years and that accordingly better protection is needed for the home saw-milling and box-board industries?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the BOARD of TRADE (Dr. Burgin)The position of our saw-milling and box-board industries will be borne in mind in any negotiations for the revision of our trade agreements with the countries in question.
§ Mr. MARKLEWIf I give the Parliamentary Secretary evidence which has been supplied to me this week as to the way the box-making industry of Grimsby is suffering unemployment as a result of these large imports, will he give special consideration to the matter?
§ Dr. BURGINI shall be glad to receive the information.
§ Miss WILKINSONIs the hon. Member aware that the trade agreement between Finland and this country has led to such a great improvement in the relations between the two countries that this is a far more important matter in the present state of Europe than a comparatively small individual interest?
§ Mr. T. WILLIAMSDoes not the hon. Member think that there is a good deal more to be done in this direction?