HC Deb 21 November 1939 vol 353 cc993-4
4. Mr. de Rothschild

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been called to the views jointly expressed by the presidents of the British and French Chambers of Commerce with regard to the restrictions on Franco-British trade; and what steps he proposes to take towards securing an expansion of such trade and collaboration between the two countries in the economic field such as exists with regard to political and military activities?

13. Mr. Price

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been drawn to the joint statement issued by the presidents of the British Chamber of Commerce in Paris and the French Chamber of Commerce in London, to the effect that economic relations between the United Kingdom and the French Republic are being seriously compromised by certain regulations restricting commerce between the two countries; and whether he will inquire into this matter with a view to promoting the closest possible economic relations in the future?

Mr. Stanley

The answer to the first part of each question is in the affirmative. As regards the second part, the question of trade relations between France and this country was one of the subjects discussed with M. Reynaud on the occasion of his visit to London, and it is receiving further consideration with a view to solving any difficulties in a spirit of mutual comprehension.

16. Sir Percy Harris

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether the arrangements for financial and economic co-operation between France and Great Britain include provisions for jointly stimulating the export trades of the two countries?

Mr. Stanley

Advantage will continue to be taken of any opportunities that may arise for useful collaboration between the two countries in the direction suggested by the hon. Member.

Sir P. Harris

Would not the best beginning be to remove some of the restrictions on trade between the two countries?

Mr. Stanley

I think I answered that question before the hon. Baronet came into the Chamber.

Colonel Wedgwood

May I ask whether the right hon. Gentleman is contemplating freedom of trade between this country and France as a means of increasing exports?

Mr. Stanley

Again, I think the right hon. and gallant Gentleman was not in the House when, in answer to a question, I said that we have had discussions on this subject with M. Reynaud, and that we hope to solve the problem to our mutual satisfaction.