§ Captain P. MACDONALDasked the President of the Board of Trade with which countries trade agreements are now under active discussion and with which countries such agreements are under contemplation; and whether he can make any statement with regard to the policy of the Government as to the need for pressing forward negotiations with as many countries as possible, or whether it is proposed to take no active steps in this matter until there has been further discussion of Imperial trade arrangements?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANIn reply to the first part of the question, I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the answer which was given oil 26th November to the hon. Member for Wallsend (Miss Ward), and I would add that negotiations are under contemplation with Spain and Peru. As regards the second part, it is the policy of His Majesty's Government to negotiate trade agreements whenever favourable opportunities arise.
§ Sir F. SANDERSONasked the President of the Board of Trade the countries with which he has already entered into treaty agreements for the reciprocal reduction of tariff duties; and also other countries with whom trade agreements are still being considered?
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§ Mr. RUNCIMANCommercial agreements affecting tariffs have been concluded with Argentina, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway and Sweden. As regards the second part of the question, I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer which was given on 26th November to the hon. Member for Walls-end (Miss Ward), and I would add that negotiations are under contemplation with Spain and Peru.