Sir C. G. Gibsonasked the President of the Board of Trade whether all the restrictions imposed by the Spanish Government on the purchase of British products by Spanish importers are to be abolished as from 1st November; whether he will revive the clearing agreement with Spain to enable British manufacturers to export to Spain; and whether he will arrange for the settlement of outstanding debts due to United Kingdom exporters under the clearing arrangement which was temporarily suspended?
§ Mr. R. S. HudsonMy right hon. Friend is not aware of any proposal by the Spanish Government to abolish exchange and import restrictions affecting the purchase of goods from the United Kingdom and other countries. His Majesty's Government have already indicated their desire to enter into discussions,1434W as soon as the Spanish Government are ready to do so, for the purpose of reaching a mutually satisfactory settlement of the various problems affecting trade and payments, including the outstanding debts, and it is hoped that it may be possible to begin these discussions shortly.