§ 51. Mr. Peter Smithersasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, in the course of the present negotiations with the Argentine Government, he will endeavour to secure an agreement to avoid the payment of double taxation by commercial undertakings and individual taxpayers.
§ Mr. Ernest DaviesHis Majesty's Government are anxious to conclude an agreement with the Argentine to relieve British traders and others of the burden of double taxation. This subject is not, however, on the agenda of the current discussions in Buenos Aires, which concern the revision of trade schedules, in accordance with the relevant Articles of the Anglo-Argentine Trade and Payment Agreement of 27th June, 1949.
§ Mr. SmithersWill the Under-Secretary give an indication that this matter will be raised at an early date with the Argentine Government? With regard to the negotiations mentioned in the Question, is he yet able to say whether they have been broken off by the Argentine Government, and, if so, whether it is because of words spoken in this House by the Minister of Food?
§ Mr. DaviesNo, Sir; I have nothing to say on the latter part of the Question. I am not informed on that matter. As regards the first part, it is our intention to open negotiations on this matter of double taxation at an appropriate moment.
§ Mr. Walter FletcherWhy has this matter, which has been put before the Government many times over the last three or four years, only now been taken up, in view of the fact that it is such a barrier to trade between the two countries?