HC Deb 20 July 1950 vol 477 cc2459-60
25. Squadron Leader Kinghorn

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he has now had the opportunity of discussing with the Australian Prime Minister the matter of the import duty on British rayon; and with what results.

Mr. H. Wilson

Yes, Sir, I have discussed this matter fully with Mr. Menzies, and he has undertaken that the views of the United Kingdom Government will be carefully considered and will be fully reported to the Australian Parliament when the resolution on the duties comes up for debate.

Squadron Leader Kinghorn

Is my right hon. Friend aware that hon. Members on all sides of the House are very grateful to him for seeing Mr. Menzies about this, and if he is to see him again will he ask him to tell the people of Australia that we regard this as a breach of our family contract and certainly as a breach of the Ottawa Agreement?

Mr. Wilson

I think the Prime Minister of Australia is fully aware of the views of His Majesty's Government and of hon. Members of this House who have expressed themselves on the matter.

Mr. Spence

Was the question of other textiles as well as rayon discussed on this occasion?

Mr. Wilson

No, Sir. We discussed only the position of the recent increase of the rayon duties in Australia.