§ Captain ERSKINE-BOLSTasked the President of the Board of Trade whether it is still intended to effect a trade agreement with Turkey; whether any negotiations have been in existence for this purpose; and whether he will give further attention to the matter at an early date, in view of the fact that British trade with 1017W Turkey, especially so far as textiles are concerned, is being, seriously impeded under existing conditions?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANYes, Sir. As explained in my answer of the 6th November to the hon. Member for East Birkenhead (Mr. White), certain counterproposals put forward by the Turkish Government were under consideration. These proposals called for close and detailed examination, and instructions are about to be communicated to His Majesty's Ambassador at Constantinople in the course of the next day or two. Every effort will be made to bring the negotiations to a satisfactory conclusion at the earliest possible date.