§ Mr. JAMES HOPEasked the Under Secretary for Foreign Affairs a question —of which he had given private notice— whether His Majesty's Government have made any representations to the French Government with a view to obtaining a reconsideration of the tariff through the action of the President of the Republic?
The UNDER - SECRETARY for FOREIGN AFFAIRS (Mr. McKinnon Wood)The answer is in the negative. We could not properly suggest to the French Government the adoption of the course indicated by the hon. Member.
§ Mr. HOPEAre we to understand that His Majesty's Government is, and has been, powerless in the matter although large concessions have been, made to the Government of the United States?
Mr. MCKINNON WOODThe hon. Member is not entitled to understand that from my answer. What he asked me was to propose to the French Government that the President should refuse to assent to the tariff.
§ Mr. JAMES HOPEHas anything come of former representations?
Mr. McKINNON WOODThere have been many repesentations putting the views of His Majesty's Government before the French Government through the proper diplomatic channels.