23. Mr. Kerrasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that, so far as the first five months of this year are concerned, whereas in comparison with the first five months of 1937 the imports of bacon from the Netherlands rose from £869,558 to £939,802, the value of cotton piece-goods imported by the Netherlands from this country fell from £317,550 to £132,552; and whether existing trade arrangements with the Netherlands can be revised with a view to ensuring a better balance of trade in these respects?
Mr. StanleyThe answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative; I would point out, however, that the 1969 quantity of bacon imported from the Netherlands was some 3,000 cwts. less in the first five months of 1938 than in the corresponding period of 1937. As regards the second part, I am satisfied that under the scheme of quantitative restriction of imports into the Netherlands this country is receiving its full share of the quota for cotton piece-goods as provided in the exchange of notes of July, 1934, between the two Governments.
§ Mr. BurkeIs the Minister not aware that the increased price to be paid for bacon from the Netherlands is due to the increase in the retail prices following the Government's agricultural policy?
§ Sir W. BrassIs my right hon. Friend satisfied that this state of affairs is a result of the reduction in the consumption of cotton goods in the Netherlands and not that these cotton goods are coming from somewhere else?
Mr. StanleyYes, Sir, the import of cotton goods into the Netherlands is regulated by a quota system and it is a fact that there has been a general decrease in the consumption.
§ Mr. LeachWhy is the Minister answering all the easy question and ignoring all the difficult ones?