HC Deb 15 December 1953 vol 522 c40W
92. Mr. R. Robinson

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in the negotiations with Cuba on the trade arrangements for the coming year, he will, in the interests of the Commonwealth and the sterling area, bear in mind the necessity of maintaining the position of the Jamaican cigar industry.

Mr. Amory

The discussions in Havana touch upon various matters of concern to colonial interests and I can assure my hon. Friend that those interests are being fully borne in mind by Her Majesty's Government. So far as cigars are concerned, our import restrictions are imposed for currency reasons, and whether any relaxation in respect of Cuba is possible must depend on the state of our Balance of payments.