HC Deb 22 October 1918 vol 110 cc598-9
54. Mr. PENNEFATHER

asked whether the Government has yet denounced any commercial treaties containing a Most-Favoured-Nation Clause?

Mr. BONAR LAW

What is actually being done in this respect will be made clear in the general statement which is to be made on economic policy.

Mr. G. LAMBERT

When is that statement to be made?

Mr. BONAR LAW

I said that I hoped to be able to give a date, if a further question was put to me on Thursday.

General CROFT

Will the right hon. Gentleman undertake that no other question is discussed before the prisoners' question, because this is a very important matter?

Mr. BONAR LAW

I think it would be rather unreasonable to do that. I am quite willing to arrange for a discussion.

Colonel LOWTHER

Could the right hon. Gentleman not make a statement to-morrow?

Mr. BONAR LAW

Perhaps my hon. and gallant Friend will put a question to me on Thursday, and then I can give a definite answer.

Colonel LOWTHER

Meanwhile, is it not a fact that the prisoners are suffering?

Mr. BONAR LAW

Yes; but I am not qute sure that the speeches of my hon. and gallant Friend and others will alleviate those sufferings.