10. Mr. Gresham Cookeasked the President of the Board of Trade what specific steps he is taking at the present 586 time to promote increased trade with the United States of America.
§ Mr. JayI would refer the hon. Member to the Answer which I gave to the hon. Member for Battersea South (Mr. Perry) on 1st February. I am consulting the British National Export Council and the Committee for Exports to the U.S.A. about the best way of putting these measures into effect in the United States.
Mr. Gresham CookeWill the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind—and this refers also to the last Question—that we shall have to earn more American dollars this year because, for example, exports of British motor cars will fall owing to the recent agreement between America and Canada under which they have a free trade in motor cars, leaving a tariff imposed against this country? Will he make the strongest protest to the Canadian Government against this discrimination which operates against one of their Commonwealth partners?
§ Mr. JayYes. I have protested personally to both the American and Canadian authorities about this, and we are in discussion how to find the best way out of it. As for exports to the United States generally, as the hon. Member knows there is to be a permanent British trade centre in New York and a series of store promotions and British weeks—and all the export measures that I announced a month ago are available in respect of exports to the United States.
§ Sir Rolf Dudley WilliamsCan the right hon. Gentleman say whether this action by the United States and Canada conflicts with the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade?
§ Mr. JayThis will be discussed in G.A.T.T., where there will be an opportunity for other countries to represent their views.
§ Mr. Emrys HughesIn order to improve our trade with the United States of America, will my right hon. Friend consider sending an exhibition ship there? Does he realise that if he sent the "Britannia" chock-full of Scotch whisky our exports would increase extraordinarily?