91. Mr. Scott-Elliotasked the President of the Board of Trade whether, during the talks now being carried on with the French Trade Delegation in respect of the £100,000,000 owing to this country, it will be made clear that we wish to import those raw materials of which France is said to possess adequate supplies and that we are not prepared to accept large quantities of luxury manufactures.
§ Mr. MarquandYes, Sir. At the meetings between British and French officials recently held in London, the British representatives made it clear that we attach importance to obtaining increased quantities of essential goods from France and the French Empire, of a number of which we are already getting substantial supplies. We were, however, also able to agree to a limited increase in the imports of certain goods of a less essential type, in accordance with the policy set out in the reply which my right hon. and learned Friend gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Enfield (Mr. Ernest Davies) on 21st October.