HC Deb 28 March 1939 vol 345 cc1863-5
13. Mr. Shinwell

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is now in a position to state the policy of the Government on the agreement reached between representatives of British and German industry; whether further negotiations are proceeding; and whether he can give an assurance that no final decision will be taken without the approval of hon. Members?

18. Mr. Mander

asked the President of the Board of Trade the present position with regard to trade agreements and negotiations contemplated, or arranged, with Germany?

25. Mr. Sorensen

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he now has any further statement to make respecting the trade agreement between the Federation of British Industries and the Reichsgruppe Industrie of Germany; and whether any negotiations between particular industries, especially those connected with the manufacture of war materials, are still in progress?

Mr. Stanley

I have discussed this matter with representatives of the Federation of British Industries and informed them that while there can be no doubt regarding the value of the preliminary work they have accomplished, recent political developments have created a situation which, while it lasts, has made further progress impossible.

Mr. Shinwell

Can we have an assurance that, should there be any change in the political situation which will warrant proceeding further with this matter, nothing definite will be clone until the House has had an opportunity of considering it?

Mr. Stanley

That is really a hypothetical question.

Mr. Shinwell

Will the right hon. Gentleman reply to the last part of my question?

Mr. Stanley

I have already informed the House that I told the Federation that at the present moment further progress is impossible.

Mr. Sorensen

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware of any kind of trade agreement or any kind of negotiations which are being carried on now that are likely to cover war materials?

Mr. Stanley

I could not say without notice.

Mr. Mander

Does it cover the Coal Agreement?

Mr. Stanley

The Coal Agreement is a separate point. Such discussions as would have taken place would have been not with Germany, but with Poland. However, I understand that at present no date has been fixed for any future meeting.

Mr. Neil Maclean

If any agreement is come to between the Federation of British Industries and the German group will the President of the Board of Trade inform the House before there is any attempt to put it into operation?