asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he can now give any information as to the result of the representations made to the Italian Government in respect of the quota restriction on the import of British-caught pilchards?

I have nothing at present to add to the reply which was given to my hon. Friend on this subject on 27th February, but the whole matter of the new import restrictions is being actively pursued with the Italian Government, and a further statement will be made as soon as possible.

Has the attention of the right hon. Gentleman been called to a statement that the Ministry of Finance in Italy have relaxed the quota upon importations from some seven or eight countries, restoring it to 100 per cent.; and is not such action discrimination if the quota is maintained against our imports?

I am inquiring into these facts at the present time. If there is discrimination against this country, we shall, of course, have to take active steps?

Viscountess ASTOR:

Will the right hon. Gentleman, now that the Abyssinian question has been pretty well settled, make a private and personal appeal to the Italian Government to make up the leeway that has occurred as regards pilchards, which so much affect the West Country?

Is it not a fact that for the last three years there has been almost an equal balance of trade between this country and Italy; and will the right hon. Gentleman make representations on that ground?

Yes, Sir, I believe that that is the fact. With regard to pilchards, these, of course, are one of the commodities imported into Italy which are now under restriction. We are taking up that question actively with the Italian Government.