HC Deb 13 June 1939 vol 348 c1086
29. Lieut.-Commander Fletcher

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will make a statement concerning the progress of the negotiations with the United States of America concerning the exchange of American cotton and wheat for strategic raw materials?

The President of the Board of Trade (Mr. Oliver Stanley)

I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the reply which I gave to questions by the hon. Members for the Forest of Dean (Mr.Price), and for Oldham (Mr. Hamilton Kerr) on 23rd May.

Lieut.-Commander Fletcher

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether these negotiations are proceeding smoothly and without hitch, and whether he anticipates their being brought to a conclusion before the end of the present Session?

Mr. Stanley

I should not like to give any definite date. The hon. and gallant Member will realise that there are a large number of points to be considered but the negotiations are proceeding quite satisfactorily.