§ 31. Mr. Stokesasked the President of the Board of Trade, to what extent it is the policy of His Majesty's Government to reduce exports from this country to States other than the United States of America, in order to obtain maximum temporary advantage from the Lease-Lend Act?
§ 33. Mr. G. Straussasked the President of the Board of Trade, whether he can give an assurance that goods obtained under the Lease-Lend Act, or goods of a similar nature produced in Britain, are not sold in foreign markets in competition with American merchants?
§ The Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Trade (Captain Waterhouse)An announcement is impending.
§ Mr. StraussWhat does the hon. and gallant Gentleman mean by "impending"? Will it be made during the next few days? Is he aware that considerable 176 damage is being done by suggestions inspired by the Nazis that we are using such goods in this direction?
§ Captain WaterhouseI am certainly aware of all the circumstances which surround this question, but no announcement can be made until an agreement has been arrived at between the United States and ourselves.
§ Mr. StokesIs the hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that several trade associations are already circularising their members to the effect that export is to be greatly restricted on account of the Lease-Lend Act? Is it the Government's intention to abandon the export trade?
§ Captain WaterhouseIt is not the intention of the Government to abandon the export trade.