HC Deb 23 June 1955 vol 542 c1478
6. Mr. Osborne

asked the President of the Board of Trade why it was not possible to make a trade agreement with Roumania after long negotiations; and what steps are being taken to overcome the difficulties that arose.

8. Sir R. Boothby

asked the President of the Board of Trade what progress has been made in the negotiations for a trade agreement with Roumania.

Mr. P. Thorneycroft

I do not think it would help if I made a statement at this stage.

Mr. Osborne

Does not my right hon. Friend think it wise at times to compound old debts in order to get new business, rather than to insist on old debts and lose everything, and is not this the position as regards the Roumanian negotiations?

Mr. Thorneycroft

I am not sure what that question means, but I am certain that an answer would not be helpful at this stage.