§ 1. Mr. KIRBYasked the President of the Board of Trade whether, arising from a recent communication from the Liverpool Chamber of Commerce on the question of the importation of whale oil, he can now inform the traders concerned of the future policy of his Department in regard to trade agreements as to whale oil, as compared with West African palm oil and other oil nut and seed products?
§ The PRESIDENT of the BOARD of TRADE (Mr. Runciman)The views expressed in the communication to which the hon. Member refers have been noted, and will be borne in mind in any negotiations for the revision of any trade agreements which affect these commodities; but I cannot forecast the course of such negotiations with regard to particular commodities.
§ Mr. KIRBYHas the right hon. Gentleman informed the Chamber of Commerce of his views on this subject?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANI shall always be glad to consider any information that is given to me.
§ Mr. KIRBYMy question was whether the right hon. Gentleman had informed the Liverpool Chamber of Commerce as to his views on the subject, and how he had come to those views?
§ Mr. LOGANCannot the right hon. Gentleman, in view of the length of time that this matter has been under consideration, give some more specific information with regard to this question of preferential treatment for whale oil?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANI am afraid I cannot.
§ Mr. KIRBYWould the right hon. Gentleman be willing to receive a deputation on this subject from the Chamber of Commerce?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANYes; I have already said that I shall be glad of any information that can be given to me.
§ Mr. RUNCIMANI imagine that there would be no object in sending a deputation except for the exchange of information.