HC Deb 02 March 1937 vol 321 cc155-6
14. Mr. Ellis Smith

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether he will open negotiations with the whole of the Dominions in order that the maximum amount of bulk trading can be arranged between the United Kingdom and the Dominions?

The Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs (Mr. Malcolm MacDonald)

I would refer the hon. Member to the answer which I gave him to a question on 25th February. The object of all our trade discussions with the Dominions is to facilitate the expansion of inter-Imperial trade to the maximum that is consistent with the interests of home producers and consumers and of export trade generally.

15 and 16. Mr. Smith

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs (1) whether, in view of the official declaration made by the Minister of Finance for New Zealand that his Government desired an expanding market, he will say what steps are being taken to co operate to bring about this object;

(2) whether he has considered the offer of the Finance Minister of New Zealand to utilise the whole of the credits that come from the sale of their products in Great Britain for the purchase of manufactured goods from Great Britain if mutual arrangements are made; and whether he will take steps to accept and act upon such offer?

Mr. MacDonald

Discussions are in progress with the Minister of Finance of New Zealand with regard to matters arising out of the trade agreement between the United Kingdom and New Zealand and to trade questions generally. Pending the outcome of these discussions I am not in a position to make any statement.

Mr. George Griffiths

Has not the Minister of Finance for New Zealand asked that there should be more butter coming this way than has come lately?

Mr. MacDonald

That is a question which is covered by the question already asked me, and I have just given an answer to it.

Mr. Bellenger

In view of the very important statement which the Finance Minister for New Zealand has made as to increasing the purchases of manufactured articles here in certain conditions, can the right hon. Gentleman say when those negotiations are likely to end?

Mr. MacDonald

Naturally, the very important statement which the Minister of Finance has made is receiving very careful consideration, but it would be impossible for me to give any approximate date when the discussions which are going on may be concluded.