HC Deb 09 February 1937 vol 320 cc188-9
1. Mr. Hall-Caine

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he was able to ascertain during his recent visit to the United States if the time had arrived for commencing active trade negotiations between the United States of America and Great Britain with a view to the drafting of a new trade agreement?

6. Sir Percy Harris

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is in a position to report any results from his visit to the United States of America; whether he discussed with the President at Washington the international trade position; and whether there is any immediate prospect of a reduction of trade barriers and lowering of tariff duties between the United States of America and this country?

The President of the Board of Trade (Mr. Runciman)

During my visit to Washington I had many opportunities for an informal exchange of views with the President of the United States and Mr. Cordell Hull on a variety of subjects of common interest to the two countries. It was at no time intended that I should conduct negotiations with the United States Government on any subject. As regards trade matters, I had several useful conversations, from which it appeared that further exploration will be necessary before it can be determined whether there is a firm basis upon which detailed negotiations can take place for a reciprocal trade agreement.

I am glad to take this opportunity of expressing my gratitude to the President of the United States and the members of the United States Government for the friendly reception which they gave to me. I hope that the result of our conversations will be to facilitate economic cooperation between the United States and ourselves.

Sir P. Harris

Does the right hon. Gentleman suggest that his visit was not of an official character and that he had no definite purpose in going out to America?

Mr. Runciman

I should say that it was informal rather than formal.

Mr. Thorne

Were there any whispers about the debt?

Mr. Henderson Stewart

When are the further explorations to which my right hon. Friend referred to be proceeded with?

Mr. Runciman

They are proceeding at the present time.

2. Sir Percy Hurd

asked the President of the Board of Trade the purport and outcome of his conversations at Washington regarding the United States subsidies to shipping in the Pacific and the menace they constitute to British Empire shipping in those seas?

Mr. Runciman

The subject was not discussed. As the House has been informed by my hon. Friend the Parliamentary Secretary, the present position is that His Majesty's Government have formulated certain proposals which are at present under consideration by the Dominion Governments concerned.

Sir P. Hurd

Did my right hon. Friend find any disposition in Washington to forgo the excessive subsidies given to American steamships on the Pacific?

Mr. Runciman

It was not discussed by us, and I cannot say what their opinion is.

Mr. A. V. Alexander

Did the right hon. Gentleman see Mr. Franklin?

Mr. Runciman

I do not know that Mr. Franklin had anything to do with this subject.