HC Deb 22 March 1938 vol 333 cc969-71
6. Mr. Hepworth

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been called to the arrangements which are being made to enable the members of all industries concerned in

Friend's permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Mr. Greene

I am afraid I did not hear a word of that answer.

Mr. Stanley

I am afraid that is not my fault. I was making as much noise as I could.

Following is the answer:

I am not in a position to state the number of horses bought in the United Kingdom and Eire by the German Government, but the following table shows particulars of horses (including ponies) exported from these two countries to Germany during the last three years.

the United States of America to be heard in connection with the tariff changes which will be made as a result of the Anglo-American trade agreement; and whether facilities on similar lines can be granted in this country to the British industries affected?

Mr. Stanley

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. As regards the second part, it is not the practice of His Majesty's Government in trade negotiations to communicate to trade interests a list of the commodities in respect of which concessions to this country are being sought, but I am always ready to consider representations from trade organisations who think that their interests may be affected. In connection with the negotiations with the United States, I have received useful information from a large number of such organisations, and I have asked certain other industries for up-to-date information, with a view to obtaining as complete knowledge as possible of the circumstances and views of every industry which, so far as I can foresee, is likely to be affected in any way.

Mr. Louis Smith

Does the right hon. Gentleman consider that the industrialists in this country will be put in such a safe position vis-à-vis his Department as the American industrialists?

Mr. Stanley

Yes, Sir. I have taken steps to assure myself that any industry which is likely to be affected will have the opportunity of giving me the fullest possible information and laying its views before me.