§ Mr. Patrick Maitlandasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will list those trade agreements between His Majesty's Government and foreign countries which cover the import of both fresh and preserved fruit and vegetables to the United Kingdom; what is the duration of these agreements; which of them are subject to annual review either as to quantity, value or type of commodity imported; and when, in the coming year, the several reviews of those agreements which are open to annual review will take place.
§ Mr. P. ThorneycroftThe following are the foreign countries with whom the United Kingdom Government has trade agreements or bilateral arrangements covering the import of these goods:
- Sweden, for 12 months expiring 31st December, 1951.
- France and French North Africa expiring 31st December, 1951.
- Portugal for 12 months expiring 31st December, 1951, but extended to 31st January, 1952.
- Spain, for 12 months expiring 30th June, 1951, but extended to 31st December, 1951.
- Federal Republic of Western Germany, for 9 months expiring 31st December, 1951.
- Denmark, for 6 months expiring 31st December, 1951.
- Switzerland, for 12 months expiring 29th February, 1952.
- Netherlands, for 12 months expiring 31st March, 1952.
- Belgium, for 12 months expiring 30th June, 1952.
- Italy, for 12 months expiring 30th June, 1952.
344 - Czechoslovakia, for 5 years expiring 30th June, 1954.
- Poland, for 5 years expiring 31st December. 1953.
- Yugoslavia, for 5 years expiring 31st December, 1954.
The agreements lasting for a year or less are normally re-negotiated shortly before their expiry. The import quotas in the five-year agreements with Czechoslovakia, Poland and Yugoslavia are subject to annual review, but in the case of the last two countries no dates have so far been fixed for the next review.