§ Mr. Braineasked the President of the Board of Trade why he increased the import quota for Cuban cigars in the last renewal of the Anglo-Cuban trade agreement, having regard to the fact that during the last six years of the agreement the United Kingdom has had an adverse 263W balance of trade of £87 million with Cuba, while during the same period the adverse balance in respect of trade with Jamaica amounted to only £27.9 million; and whether he will ensure that no further increase in cigar quotas are granted to Cuba as long as Jamaica is able to supply cigars of good quality to the British market.
§ Mr. Vaughan-MorganA considerable proportion of our imports of sugar from Cuba is re-exported and this must be set against the adverse balance of trade. I am satisfied that our trade agreements with Cuba, which have provided for increased quotas for Cuban cigars, have assisted our export trade with Cuba. Some further increase of quotas may be found necessary in the new trade agreement which is at present being negotiated, but my hon. Friend may be assured that the interests of Jamaica will be kept in mind.