HC Deb 07 February 1939 vol 343 cc735-6
35. Mr. Hamilton Kerr

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that the exports of British cotton piece-goods to Central and South American countries for 1938 were barely more than half their yardage and value for 1937; and what steps he proposes to take to arrest the decline in this section of British export trade?

Mr. Stanley

Total exports of United Kingdom cotton piece goods to those Central and South American countries for which statistics are available were approximately 188 million square yards, valued at £4,700,000 in 1938, compared with 295 million square yards, valued at £7,260,000 in 1937. As regards the second part of the question, His Majesty's Government will continue to bear the interests of the cotton industry in mind in connection with whatever opportunities arise, through trade negotiations or otherwise, for improving United Kingdom export trade in Latin American as in all other overseas markets.

Mr. Kerr

Is my right hon. Friend aware that the balance of trade between this country and South American countries is decisively in favour of the South American countries, and cannot this factor be used as a bargaining point?

Mr. Stanley

That may be the case with regard to South America as a whole, but it is not true of particular countries.

36. Mr. Kerr

asked the President of the Board of Trade what steps are to be taken during 1939 to renew with the Dominions negotiations for new trade agreements which were suspended when those with the United States were opened; and whether he can give any assurance that in connection with these negotiations adequate arrangements will be made to promote the interests of the cotton textile export trade?

Mr. Stanley

No negotiations with the Dominions were suspended as a result of the negotiations with the United States of America; indeed, a new trade agreement was concluded with Eire on 25th April last. Trade discussions also took place last year with representatives of His Majesty's Government in the Commonwealth of Australia and the conclusions reached are set out in the White Paper (Cmd. 5805) issued on 20th July. Discussions are still proceeding with His Majesty's Government in the Union of South Africa while those with His Majesty's Government in New Zealand, which were adjourned in July, 1937, have not yet been resumed. I can assure my hon. Friend that in all trade agreement negotiations every effort is and will continue to be made on behalf of the interests of the cotton industry.