HC Deb 08 April 1936 vol 310 cc2790-1W
Mr. GIBSON

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether he is aware that there is a working arrangement between the Union of South Africa and Southern Rhodesia whereby certain goods entering Rhodesia from the Union of South Africa receive greater preferences than are accorded for the same classes of goods from the United Kingdom; and will he make representations to Southern Rhodesia that they should accord imports from this country the same freedom of entry that this country grants to imports from Southern Rhodesia?

Marquess of HARTINGTON

As regards the first part of the question, I take it that my hon. Friend refers to the agreement concluded in 1935 between the neighbouring countries of the Union of South Africa and Southern Rhodesia whereby the exchange of local goods takes place under special conditions. As regards the second part of the question the trade relations between the United Kingdom and Southern Rhodesia are governed by the trade agreement concluded between the two countries at Ottawa in 1932. This contains no provisions which would justify representations to the Government of Southern Rhodesia on the lines suggested.

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