HC Deb 11 February 1952 vol 495 cc137-8W
Mr. MacPherson

asked the President of the Board of Trade when he expects to commence negotiations for a new trade agreement with Denmark.

Mr. P. Thorneycroft

Discussions are taking place in London now with a Danish delegation about trade arrangements between the United Kingdom and Denmark in 1952.

Mr. Maitland

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether the bilateral trade agreements or arrangements with Sweden, France and French North Africa, Spain, the Federal Republic of Western Germany and Denmark which expired on 31st December, 1951, and with Portugal which was due to expire on 31st January, 1952, permitting the import of fresh or preserved fruit or vegetables to the United Kingdom are being renewed; and what imports of fresh or preserved fruit or vegetables will be permitted, and during which periods, in the next 12 months.

Mr. P. Thorneycroft

Trade arrangements which have now been completed with France and French North Africa and with Spain for the calendar year 1952 include the following provisions for the import of fresh or preserved fruit or vegetablesFrance and French North Africa Stuffed dates£5,000 (against applications for import licences). Spain Raisins, 1.000 ton; Bananas up to 30,000 tons (Ministry of Food purchases).

The arrangements with Sweden for 1952 include no provision for fruit or vegetables. Discussions with the Federal Republic of Western Germany, Denmark and Portugal are still in progress.