§ 43. Sir WALTER de FRECEasked the Prime Minister whether he can assure the House that in all diplomatic negotiations 2052 tending to define the international policy of this country there is the closest inter-working and understanding between, on the one hand, the Foreign Office and, on the other, the Board of Trade, so that no serious diplomatic step can be taken without prior consideration of its effect on our commercial well-being; and whether this applies in particular to the Anglo-Japanese Alliance?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINMy hon. Friend may rest assured that in all matters affecting them both there is close consultation between the two Departments referred to. In a question of such importance as that of which my hon. Friend makes special mention there need be no fear that the views of any Department will be ignored or overlooked.