HC Deb 15 March 1951 vol 485 cc1771-3
Mr. Lennox-Boyd

(by Private Notice)asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he can make a statement about a proposed bilateral agreement on sugar supplies between the United Kingdom and Cuba.

The President of the Board of Trade (Mr. Harold Wilson)

Yes, Sir. Following upon an approach made by the Cuban Government, last summer, there have been discussions with the Cuban Delegation which is taking part in the talks at Torquay under the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade. Until the discussions reach a conclusion, I am not in a position to give any details except to say that, as one would expect, purchases of sugar are included in the subject matter of the talks. Cuba is, of course, an important source of sugar supplies for this country. I can say, however, that nothing will be concluded with Cuba which would prejudice the agreements reached last year with Commonwealth producers.

Mr. Lennox-Boyd

Is it not a fact that on a matter of vital concern to Australia and to the British sugar Colonies, no notice of any kind was given either to the Australian representatives at Torquay or to the Australian Government that these bilateral proposals were intended?

Mr. Wilson

My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations had a discussion with representatives of the Australian Government. This matter is very difficult and very embarrassing for a number of Commonwealth countries, and I suggest that it would be better to leave it until the discussions are completed.

Mr. Lennox-Boyd

When did the talks take place between the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations and the Australian Government?

Mr. Wilson

It was in the course of the last few days, but I cannot give the hon. Gentleman the exact days.

Mr. Peter Smithers

Will the right hon. Gentleman consult with his right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Colonies about the consequences which may follow if the Canadian Government were to follow the example of His Majesty's Government in opening negotiations of this sort, and were to conclude a barter agreement of this sort with Cuba to the detriment of our West Indian Colonies?

Mr. Wilson

I am in the fullest consultation with my right hon. Friend. What Canada may or may not do in this matter is not raised in the Question put to me by the hon. Member for Mid-Bedfordshire (Mr. Lennox-Boyd).