HC Deb 11 June 1953 vol 516 c437
26. Mr. G. Jeger

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will make a statement on the progress of the Anglo-Spanish talks on trade discrimination against Britain.

Mr. P. Thorneycroft

The review of the current arrangements governing trade and payments between Spain and this country will be resumed next week, when a Spanish delegation is visiting London.

Mr. Jeger

Is the President prepared to give us an interim report on the progress of these negotiations, and will he either confirm or deny the rumours that they are in a very unsatisfactory state?

Mr. Thorneycroft

Their unsatisfactory state is a matter of opinion. I certainly should like to see the Spaniards issuing import licences more frequently for exports from this country. However, I do not think I had better pursue the matter in detail as these negotiations are about to start.

Mr. Bottomley

Would the President of the Board of Trade insist on the Spanish Government giving equal facilities for British traders as are given for countries on the Continent?

Mr. Thorneycroft

That is a factor which will be borne in mind in connection with these negotiations.

Mr. Ernest Davies

In view of the very unsatisfactory state of our Spanish trade, as the President of the Board of Trade himself has implied, does it not confirm the futility of the lifting of the ban on the selling of military equipment to Spain?

Mr. Thorneycroft

That does not enter into this Question.