HC Deb 17 July 1918 vol 108 cc1044-5
52. Captain G. LLOYD

asked the Prime Minister whether any and, if so, how many commercial treaties containing Most-Favoured-Nation Treaty Clauses have recently been denounced by His Majesty's Government; whether there is any reason for delay in promptly carrying out the policy in regard to these treaties recently announced by His Majesty's Government; and, if so, what is the cause?

Mr. BONAR LAW

As I said in answer to my right hon. Friend the Member for Trinity College on the 13th May, the Government intend to take such steps as are necessary to have our hands free when peace comes, but the subject is a complicated one, and I hope the House will wait till after the Adjournment, when a general statement will be made on the whole question.

Sir E. CARSON

Are we to take it that no steps have been taken up to the present?

Mr. BONAR LAW

No; I think my right hon. Friend knows that we were taking steps when he was still a member of the Government.

Captain LLOYD

Is it the Government's intention to denounce all such treaties containing the Most-Favoured-Nation Clause?

Mr. BONAR LAW

I would really rather not add anything to the answer that I have given. The subject is a very complicated one, and I can assure the House that it is not being neglected, and that our policy will be stated as early as possible after the Recess.