HC Deb 23 July 1957 vol 574 cc220-1
45. Mr. Spence

asked the Prime Minister whether he will arrange for joint consultations between the Treasury, the Board of Trade and the Scottish Office as to what action may be required in the light of the recent cuts imposed by France on the importation of British manufactures.

The Prime Minister

The usual close consultation has been maintained between all interested Departments in considering this situation. If my hon. Friend has any particular point in mind, my right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade will be happy to consider it.

Mr. Spence

Will the Prime Minister bear in mind the urgency of this matter? Would he consider recommending to the Ministers concerned the situation which has arisen over Scotch whisky? As the exports to France have been cut by 80 per cent., will he consider recommending a similar reduction of imports to this country of French brandy?

The Prime Minister

As regards the general question, as my hon. Friend no doubt knows, the recent deterioration in the French balance of payments has led them to make a decision to deliberalise a number of imports. [HON. MEMBERS: "Oh."] That is the technical O.E.E.C. expression. We have asked the French to produce the programme as soon as possible, and we hope they will do so in a few days.