§ 19. Mr. John Lewisasked the President of the Board of Trade what percentage increase over prewar prices is being paid by the U.S.A. for natural rubber; and what percentage over prewar prices are we paying to the U.S.A. in respect of tobacco, cotton and carbon black.
§ Sir S. CrippsThe agreed price to be paid by the United States for Far Eastern rubber is about 50 per cent. above 1938– 39, measured in United States currency. The comparable increases in the prices paid to the United States for tobacco, cotton and carbon black, are 67 per cent., 140 per cent., and 85 per cent.
§ Mr. GammansWhat is the justification for our selling this rubber to the United States at a much lower price than the world price?
§ Sir S. CrippsThe justification is that there was an agreement to that effect which lasts until 31st March.