§ 35. Lieut.-Colonel Dowerasked the Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department, what steps he is taking to organise the development of the export trade to Argentine of British-produced glass articles to compete with the reduced supply of similar goods obtainable from Central Europe; and whether he has yet had any interviews with British producers with that object?
§ Mr. R. S. Hudson (Secretary, Overseas Trade Department)I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the answer which I gave on 31st January to questions addressed to me by my hon. and learned Friend the Member for Leicester, East (Mr. Lyons). Information relating to recent changes in the position of glass producers in Central Europe has been brought to the notice of the Glass Manufacturers' Federation. The answer to the last part of the question is in the negative.
§ Lieut.-Colonel DowerHas my right hon. Friend any information as to whether action is being taken by them to obtain this new export market?
§ Mr. HudsonI do not think that we have had any communication from them on this question.
§ Mr. Robert GibsonIn view of the Government policy of bilateral agreements with regard to overseas trade, is it not necessary for the Government to facilitate imports into this country from the Argentine in order that the hon. and gallant Member may receive a favourable answer to his question?
§ Mr. HudsonImports from the Argentine to this country already largely exceed the exports from this country to the Argentine.