§ 25. Dr. Strossasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that textile orders from Czechoslovakia are in abeyance pending the resumption of licences for the import of consumer goods from that country; and whether he will take steps to admit these imports.
§ Mr. H. StraussSome purchases of textiles have been made by a Czechoslovak purchasing organisation, but my right hon. Friend is not aware to what extent further purchases would be made if import licences for Czechoslovak consumer goods could be resumed. The issue of such licences must await the conclusion of a trade and financial agreement on which negotiations have, unfortunately, been in suspense for some time.
§ Dr. StrossIf I send information to the Parliamentary Secretary showing that the goods in supply would be to the value of about £500,000, which is a reasonable amount of money for the West Riding of Yorkshire, will he give the matter further consideration, especially in view of the fact that licences might well come from Western Germany if we do not offer them?
§ Mr. StraussMy right hon. Friend will certainly consider anything that the hon. Member sends him. Meanwhile, I 181 should like to refer the hon. Gentleman to an article on the subject in the "Board of Trade Journal" for 5th February, 1955, which gives an explanation of our policy on this matter.
§ Mr. RobensCan the hon. and learned Gentleman say if negotiations with Czechoslovakia are still continuing and when he expects that an agreement will be signed?
§ Mr. StraussNo; there are difficulties. The article to which I have referred the hon. Member explains that we restricted imports of less essentials, including consumer goods, except in the context of an agreement which includes the settlement of financial claims.