HC Deb 11 July 1939 vol 349 cc2041-2
32. Sir Joseph Leech

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he has completed his examination of the possibility of persuading British tobacco companies to increase their purchases of Greek tobacco in order to assist towards a general development of Anglo-Greek trade; and what have been the replies of the British tobacco companies?

Mr. Stanley

This matter is still under consideration, and I am not yet in a position to make any statement.

39. Mr. Liddall

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that Greece is refusing to grant import licences for British diesel oil-engines, while placing orders for similar engines with Germany; and whether he will make representations to Greece, with a view to assisting the manufacture of oil-engines at Lincoln?

Mr. Stanley

I regret to say that difficulties of the kind to which my hon. Friend refers affect a number of branches of our export trade to Greece. I am looking into the case of which he has been good enough to send me particulars, and will communicate with him.

Mr. Liddall

Would not many of the difficulties be overcome if our tobacco manufacturers took tobacco from Greece and blended a little Greek tobacco with the large amount that they get from America?

Mr. Stanley

I have already answered one question on that point. I hope that my hon. Friend will not forget that the tobacco manufacturers, at the instance of His Majesty's Government, have already taken steps to blend Rhodesian tobacco.

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