HC Deb 15 June 1903 vol 123 cc948-9
MR. LAMBERT (Devonshire, South Molton)

I beg to ask the President of the Board of Trade if he will name the countries which deny to British imports treatment accorded to imports from other foreign countries.

MR. BONAR LAW

Generally speaking, the only countries, so far as I am aware, in which imports from the United Kingdom do not receive complete most-favoured-nation treatment are the United States of America, where we do not enjoy the benefit of the reductions on certain articles conceded to France and other countries under reciprocal agreements, and Portugal, which withholds from certain British goods the reductions conceded by treaty to Russia, Norway, and Holland, also certain of the South and Central American Republics grant special favour to the citizens and products of the neighbouring States, which are not enjoyed by British subjects and products.

MR. JAMES LOWTHER

Is there not a most-favoured-nation arrangement between this country and the United States?

MR. BONAR LAW

Yes.

SIR HOWARD VINCENT

Can you name any country in which British goods get the same treatment as foreign goods do in this country?

MR. GIBSON BOWLES

Have we not a most-favoured-nation arrangement with Portugal?

MR. BONAR LAW

Yes, but there are exceptions which I have read out.

MR. GIBSON BOWLES

I fail to understand what is meant by "exceptions."