HC Deb 06 June 1939 vol 348 cc193-4
19. Mr. Shinwell

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is now in a position to make a statement on the exchange of goods by barter between the United Kingdom and the United States of America?

21. Mr. Garro Jones

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether any progress has been made with the proposals for the exchange of tin and rubber by barter for cotton from the United States; and whether it is still proposed to proceed with this transaction?

Mr. Stanley

I would refer to the reply which I gave to questions by the hon. Members for the Forest of Dean (Mr. Price) and Oldham (Mr. H. Kerr) on 23rdMay.

Mr. Shinwell

If these exchanges are effective, could they be undertaken without the intervention of middlemen and to the exclusion of commissions?

Mr. Stanley

I shall have to leave that to the course of the negotiations.

Mr. George Griffiths

Could we not exchange Mr. Chamberlain for Mr. Roosevelt?

Mr. Stanley

I am always ready to consider any exchange which is to the mutual advantage of both parties.

Mr. Shinwell

Is not this consideration one which the right hon. Gentleman regards as one of the main features of the arrangement?

Mr. Stanley

This is a very complicated matter, and I should not exclude the possibility that it would be necessary to go through with these matters.

Mr. R. C. Morrison

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there is an impression in business circles that the Government do not intend to go on with this proposal?

Mr. Stanley

If that is the impression, it is entirely unfounded.