HC Deb 04 April 1910 vol 16 cc4-5
Earl WINTERTON

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he would give the number of cases, from 1st January 1900 to 31st March 1910, in which negotiations with other countries for tariff concessions on the part of those countries had been successful in the case of Great Britain, Canada, Germany, France, Italy, Austria, and the United States of America, reference only being made to cases which had come within the official cognisance of His Majesty's Ambassadors or Ministers in those countries?

Mr. McKINNON WOOD

As the question whether or not negotiations are successful must be a matter of opinion, I cannot provide an answer.

Earl WINTERTON

Would it not be possible to state what specific concessions have been asked for and obtained?

Mr. McKINNON WOOD

That is a different question from that which was asked by the Noble Lord.

Earl WINTERTON

I will put it down.

Mr. JAMES HOPE

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he would lay upon the Table copies of all instructions given to the British Ambassador in Paris with reference to the French tariff, of despatches received from the Ambassador on the subject, and of all written representations in relation thereto made by His Majesty's Government to the Government of the French Republic?

Mr. McKINNON WOOD

We will consider what papers can be printed and properly presented to Parliament.

Mr. JAMES HOPE

When are these papers likely to be presented?

Mr. McKINNON WOOD

At the earliest possible moment.

Mr. JAMES HOPE

When will that be?

Mr. McKINNON WOOD

I cannot give a more definite answer.