HC Deb 09 November 1948 vol 457 cc1383-4
67. Mr. Platts-Mills

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware that, 12 days after officials of his Department had informed representatives of the clothing industry that British clothes were to be allowed into Germany during the last quarter of this year, a delegation proposing to visit Germany to forward this trade and representing the principal British clothing trade associations was advised, also by his Department, to cancel the trip on the ground that no bilateral trading agreement exists between Britain and the Joint Export-Import Agency operating in the Bizone so that no trade could be done; and what steps are being taken to remedy this state of affairs.

Mr. Bottomley (Secretary for Overseas Trade)

Yes, Sir. A statement by the Joint Export-Import Agency that they had approved certain imports of clothing, wool piece-goods and shoes from this country was subsequently revised, and we were obliged accordingly to cancel arrangements for representatives of the industries concerned to visit Germany. The question has been taken up with the Agency and I hope that it will become possible to allow this trade to proceed.

Mr. Platts-Mills

Does that answer mean that Britain has not a trading agreement with the Joint Bizone Trading Authority of the two zones in Germany, and if we have not a trading agreement with them how in the world can anybody have such an agreement? Does this not, in fact, mean that America has banned our trade in clothes with the Western zone of Germany?

Mr. Bottomley

No, Sir. In the case of the Joint Import-Export Agency, this is an autonomous body and neither the Government in this country, nor the Governments in Paris and Washington, have any say in the matter.

Mr. Platts-Mills

Will my hon. Friend not answer the question I put last? Does this not mean, in fact, that the American Occupation authorities are forbidding our business people to sell their goods in the zone which we control? Why will he not alter that at once, without any nonsense?

Mr. Bottomley

No, Sir; this is an allied body responsible to the military commanders and to no one else.