§ 9. Mr. SORENSENasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he can now give any further information respecting the order for 700 tons of tinplate which the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics intimated its intention to give to this country and which has been prevented by an international cartel; and whether this order is now being, or will be, placed in this country?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANI am unable to add anything to the answer which I gave to the hon. Member on 17th March.
§ Mr. SORENSENWill the right hon. Gentleman make inquiries to see whether the statement in the question is true; if it is true, does he not consider it is detrimental to the trade of this country that the action of a cartel should be such as to divert trade in this way?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANI informed the hon. Gentleman the last time he put a question on the Paper on this subject that negotiations were proceeding. While they proceed I do not care to say anything on the subject.
§ Mr. SORENSENWill the right hon. Gentleman give an assurance that he will find out as early as possible exactly what the position is?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANWe are being kept well informed.