HC Deb 03 August 1944 vol 402 cc1641-2W
Mr. Manningham-Buller

asked the Minister of Supply whether an agreement has been made between representatives of the U.S.A. as to the allocation of goat-skins between Great Britain and the U.S.A.; and if so what ratio does the quantity allocated to Great Britain bear to that allocated to the U.S.A.

Mr. Peat

A basis of division of supplies of raw goat-skins has been arrived at with the United States Mission which recently visited this country and awaits consideration by the United States Government and the Combined Raw Materials Board. Meanwhile it would not be proper to publish the proposals in this country.

Mr. Manningham-Buller

asked the Minister of Supply what ratio the quantity of goat-skins used for manufacturing purposes in the U.S.A. in the years 1934–39 bore to the quantity used for such purposes in Great Britain in that period.

Mr. Peat

4.4 to 1, Sir.

Mr. Parker

asked the Minister of Supply why the protesting deputation from the Amalgamated Society of Leather Workers was not received until after negotiations with an American mission to cut the British quota of raw goat-skins had been completed.

Sir A. Duncan

The tentative agreement referred to concerning the basis of division of goat-skins was reached before a communication was received from the Society.