§ 13. Colonel ROPNERasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that, on account of German eurrency restrictions, British firms are frequently unable to obtain payment for goods which have been sold in Germany, except by arranging to take German goods; and, if so, whether the Government will take the necessary action to prevent the German Government from compelling British creditors to place orders in Germany?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANI assume that my hon. and gallant Friend has in mind the placing of shipbuilding orders in Germany by British firms for the purpose of 978 liquidating frozen balances. This matter has been the subject of a number of recent questions in the House, but, as I have previously explained, I regret that there is no action which the Government could take to secure that these orders should be placed in British rather than in foreign shipyards.
§ Colonel ROPNERDoes the President of the Board of Trade consider it possible for private individuals to compel the German Government to remove currency restrictions, when our own Government are either unwilling or unable to take that action?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANI do not think it is possible, but payment for United Kingdom goods sold to Germany is available in sterling under the Anglo-German Payments Agreement, 1934, and does not come under the heading of frozen balances.
§ Mr. THORNEWill not the right hon. Gentleman endeavour to find out the names of firms who are having ships built in foreign countries?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANI have answered questions on that subject several times.
§ Mr. THORNEDoes the right hon. Gentleman mean to tell me he cannot find out?