HC Deb 23 June 1955 vol 542 cc1485-6
27. Mr. Holt

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer why he has agreed to flag discrimination against British shipping in the recently announced $15 million tobacco-for-houses barter agreement between the United Kingdom and the United States of America.

Sir E. Boyle

I would refer the hon. Member to the statement I made on 5th May. The transaction referred to is one which contains an element of aid to the United Kingdom.

Mr. Holt

Is not this agreement rather different from some of the others, because there is a quid pro quo—there are two sides to it? In that case, does not the Minister agree that it is one which should not come within the arrangement whereby 50 per cent. of the cargo has to come on American ships?

Sir E. Boyle

I do not think I can add to the statement I made, which was a very full statement. If the hon. Member will read it again, I think he will see that there is little or nothing between us.