HC Deb 24 May 1938 vol 336 cc1025-6
37. Mr. H. G. Williams

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been drawn to the fact that the imports from the United States increased from £23,733,000 in the first quarter of 1937 to £37,453,000 in the first quarter of 1938, while the exports of British goods to that country fell from £8,947,000 to £4,963,000, and re-exports from £3,791,000 to £1,633,000; and, in view of these facts, will he undertake to arrange for higher duties on American goods in order to redress the balance of trade between the two countries?

59. Mr. Maxwell

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in view of the large increase in the imports from the United States of America during the first quarter of this year and the decline in the exports of British goods to that country in the same period, he will ensure that in the proposed trade agreement arrangements are made to rectify the balance of visible trade with the United States?

Mr. Stanley

I am aware of the trend of trade between this country and the United States in the first quarter of this year, and this will be borne in mind in connection with the trade negotiations. I do not consider that it would be desirable, even if it were practicable, to arrange for a general increase in the rates of import duty on United States goods during the progress of these negotiations.

Mr. H. G. Williams

In view of the enormous fall in our exports to that country and the great increase in our imports at this time, will my right hon. Friend make a very definite request to the United States that they shall forthwith give us some concessions, and intimate that if they do not we shall adopt suitable methods against them?

Mr. Stanley

The matters to which the hon. Member calls attention will be borne in mind in the negotiations.

Mr. Thorne

Does the right hon. Gentleman not think it would be better to get a reduction of duties at the other end than to put on import duties at this end?

Mr. H. G. Williams

That is what I say.

67. Mr. G. Strauss

asked the President of the Board of Trade what progress is being made in the negotiations over the Anglo-American Trade Agreement?

Mr. Stanley

I can at present add nothing to the reply which I gave to a similar question by my hon. Friend the Member for Willesden, East (Mr. D. G. Somerville) on 17th May.