§ 23. Rear-Admiral Sir Murray Sueterasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that the annual import value of Empire-grown tobacco was 2,250,000 pounds, as against 14,500,000 pounds from America, both before payment of duty; what steps are being taken by British overseas authorities to obtain a larger share of this trade; and what tobacco manufacturers in the United Kingdom are doing to assist Empire growers to produce tobacco suitable for retail sale in the United Kingdom?
Mr. StanleyThe answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. With regard to the latter part, I would refer my hon. Friend to the recent report on tobacco of the Imperial Economic Committee, of which I am sending him a copy.
§ Mr. H. G. WilliamsCan the right hon. Gentleman give an assurance that in the forthcoming trade agreement with the United States he will not prejudice the interests of Empire tobacco growers?
Mr. StanleyI am fully cognisant of the interests of Empire tobacco growers, but I am not prepared to limit the course of the negotiations.