§ 1. Major-General Sir Alfred Knoxasked the President of the Board of Trade, whether the Anglo-French Trade Agreement expires this month; and, if so, whether, in negotiating a new agreement, steps will be taken to give some measure of protection to the manufacturers of British ribbon?
§ The President of the Board of Trade (Mr. Oliver Stanley)The answer to the first part of the Question is in the negative. Notice of denunciation of the 1982 Agreement can be given at any time, to take effect at a prescribed later date. His Majesty's Government have no present intention to denounce it, but the position of United Kingdom manufacturers of ribbon will be carefully considered in the event of any discussion for its revision.
§ Sir A. KnoxIf it is not possible to raise the import duty, would it be possible to establish a quota, taking the year 1932–33 as the basis, since the difficulties of the British producer are not due to the French import trade, but to Japanese imports?
§ Mr. StanleyAs my hon. and gallant Friend knows, various discussions are now going on with the French, and I should not like to anticipate the result.
§ Mr. StanleyA quarter.