§ 40. Mr. Stokesasked the President of the Board of Trade what representation he has made to the Government of Argentina so as to ensure that the granting of import permits to manufacturers in this country may start at an early date.
§ Mr. BottomleyConstant representations have been made to the Argentine authorities on this matter since the signature of the Trade and Payments Agreement on 27th June, and the question is included among the many issues arising out of the Agreement which are now being discussed in Buenos Aires. The Argentine Government recently published regulations providing for the issue of import permits on a very limited scale for some of the goods listed in Schedule 3 to the Agreement. Manufactured goods from the United Kingdom, such as motor 1312 cars and spare parts and cotton and woollen textiles, are included to a total value of £2 million.
§ Mr. StokesThat may be, but is my hon. Friend aware of the embarrassment caused to manufacturers in this country because of the piling up of goods ready to go, and will he do whatever he can to make it known to the people in Argentina how this is caused, otherwise they will be led to believe it is our Government who are stopping the shipments and not their own?
§ Mr. BottomleyYes, Sir, we are constantly repeating it, and I hope this Question will draw further attention to the matter.
§ Mr. J. LewisWhen does my hon. Friend anticipate that these talks will come to an end?
§ Mr. BottomleyThere are one or two major problems to be settled, and it is not possible at the moment to say when we shall reach a satisfactory agreement.