HC Deb 16 July 1956 vol 556 cc854-5
54. Mr. Russell

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations what consultations took place with the Governments of tobacco-growing Commonwealth countries before the agreement with the United States of America of 5th June, 1956, was concluded.

The Under-Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations (Commander Allan Noble)

The Government have been in consultation throughout the negotiations with the Governments of the Commonwealth countries concerned.

Mr. Russell

Can my hon. and gallant Friend say whether, in fact, this is going to damage the tobacco output from Southern Rhodesia or any other Colonial territory in any way whatever?

Commander Noble

The Commonwealth countries concerned raised the same point, but we were able to give them an assurance.