§ 5. Mr. Liptonasked the President of the Board of Trade why the quota for the import of Havana cigars has been increased.
§ Sir D. EcclesThis was agreed in the recent negotiations about the renewal of the Anglo-Cuban Trade Agreement. The purpose was to encourage our trade with Cuba.
§ Mr. LiptonSince for two years running they have "welshed" on the American loan because of the dollar shortage, where do this Government of fumbling and fiddling Neros hope to find more dollars for Havana cigars? Would it not be more patriotic to import more Jamaican cigars, if old-age pensioners and others have become cigar addicts after seven years of alleged Tory prosperity?
§ Sir D. EcclesI do not think that this very small increase in the quota for Havana cigars will injure the Jamaica trade. Jamaican cigars are cheaper. What we are trying to do is to earn more dollars from Cuba on the other side of the account.