§ 1. Mr. Osborneasked the President of the Board of Trade what communications he has had with the United States Government regarding the repeal of the "Buy American" Act as recommended by the Paley Commission; and if he will make a statement on the effects such a repeal would have on British exports to the United States of America.
§ The Secretary for Overseas Trade (Mr. H. R. Mackeson)The Report of the Paley Commission to the President of the United States is a domestic matter and there has been no communication with the United States Government arising out of any of its recommendations. It is not possible to make any estimate in figures of the extent to which British exports to the United States might increase if the "Buy American" Act were repealed, but it could be substantial having regard to the amount that is spent by Federal and other agencies on equipment that might be imported.
§ Mr. OsborneWhile recognising that the recommendation of the Paley Commission is a domestic matter for the American people, may I ask whether the Government will take any legitimate opportunities they have to press home to the American Government the desirability of reducing their tariffs, which would not affect their domestic trade a great deal, but would make a great deal of difference to our exports to them?
§ Mr. MackesonThe "Buy American" Act is certainly one of the matters we have under consideration with a view to raising it with the American Government at an appropriate time.