HC Deb 04 December 1947 vol 445 cc94-5W
77. Mr. W. Fletcher

asked the President of the Board of Trade why the basis of computation for the new agreement made in Geneva, on which imports and use of raw rubber into U.S.A. will be calculated, included reclaimed rubber, whereas previous calculations had been based on figures excluding it; and whether he is aware that the decrease from 33⅓ per cent. to 25 per cent. of synthetic rubber to be used is more than offset by this change of basis, with consequent severe loss of dollars to Malayan producers.

Mr. Belcher

My right hon. Friend hopes to deal with this matter in a Debate on the subject of the Geneva Trade Agreement, and I would prefer not to deal with this complicated matter within the compass of a Parliamentary Question and Answer.