asked the President of the Board of Trade what progress is being made with the negotiations for a trade agreement between the United Kingdom and India?

Proposals for an agreement, supplementary to the Ottawa Agreement, relating to Indian protective duties and certain other matters are now being discussed between the two Governments.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether any progress is being made and whether he anticipates any successful result from these negotiations in a reasonable time?

I would rather not say anything on the subject at the present time. The discussions are proceeding.