HC Deb 07 February 1939 vol 343 cc729-30
26. Mr. Bellenger

asked the President of the Board of Trade what is the nature of the negotiations now proceeding between representatives of the Federation of British Industries and members of the corresponding organisation in Germany; and whether he is prepared to make a statement?

42. Captain Peter Macdonald

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he can make any statement with regard to the arrangements that are to be made for trade discussions between the Federation of British Industries and the German Industrial Group; and what particular British industries will be represented?

Mr. Stanley

Informal conversations have been taking place between officials of the Federation of British Industries and of the Reichsgruppe-Industrie, which is the corresponding organisation in Germany, with a view to devising means for settling the problems that arise from competition between industries in the two countries. These conversations, which have been proceeding with the full knowledge and approval of His Majesty's Government, are to be followed at the end of this month by formal discussions between the two organisations. I hope that it will then be possible to initiate direct negotiations between a number of British industries and the competing industries in Germany, but I am not at present in a position to say which particular industries will be represented. I may add that there are already in existence a number of agreements between British and German industries respecting trade in home and export markets, and I hope that British industrialists will avail themselves extensively of the opportunity to make direct contact with their German competitors. With good will on both sides it should, I feel sure, be possible to solve many of the problems that have arisen or may arise affecting the trade of the two countries and so to obviate the need for recourse to other measures.

Mr. Bellenger

Do these negotiations deal exclusively with Anglo-German trade or do they cover much wider markets in South-Eastern Europe? If so, what is the Government's policy? Is it to encourage negotiations between industries in this country and Germany, or have they a more comprehensive policy?

Mr. Stanley

As to the third part of the supplementary question, the hon. Member, when he reads the answer, will see that the negotiations cover Anglo-German trade and competition in neutral markets as well. With regard to the second part of his question, it is our intention that the position of South-Eastern European markets should be discussed and also any others.

Mr. Shinwell

If these negotiations result in an agreement between the traders of both countries, will this House be informed of the result before an agreement is actually ratified?

Mr. Stanley

It will be an agreement between the industries. I cannot answer a hypothetical question like that.

Mr. Shinwell

But an agreement of this character may affect national interests, and having regard to the fact that what is now being done is being done with the approval of the right hon. Gentleman, is it not desirable that this House should be acquainted with the result before any agreement is ratified?

Mr. Stanley

I recognise that point, and I shall certainly make it my business to get from the industries as much information as is possible.

Mr. Alexander

May we be assured that this country will not be committed to an obligation like that of the steel cartel without the approval of the House?

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