§ 55. Colonel ROPNERasked the President of the Board of Trade whether the shipbuilding orders which are being placed in Germany were placed abroad by firms in possession of frozen credits or in respect of goods sold to Germany for which payment is available in sterling under the Anglo-German Payments Agreement of 1934?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANI understand that the orders to which my hon. and gallant Friend refers have been placed for the purpose of liquidating some frozen balances in Germany, in respect of transactions for which exchange is not required to be provided under the Anglo German Payments Agreement of 1st November, 1934. This Agreement provides for the allocation of specific amounts of sterling for payment for United Kingdom goods exported to Germany, as well as for the redemption of debts due before 1st November, 1934, from persons in Germany to persons in the United Kingdom, in respect of the sale of goods.
§ Colonel ROPNERIn view of the fact that the answer which I have just received directly contradicts an answer which the President of the Board of Trade gave to me a few days ago, I beg to give notice that I will raise this matter on the Motion for the Adjournment at the earliest opportunity.