§ Captain WEDGWOOD BENN(by Private Notice) asked the Lord Privy Seal whether, before the Safeguarding of Industries Bill is further considered in the House, he will be able by means of a White Paper or printed answer to show what Clauses of Treaties, Engagements, and Conventions would have to be taken into consideration by the Board of Trade in connection with the provisions of the said Bill?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINA list of countries with which Treaties that would have to be taken into consideration are in force has already been communicated to the House in the reply given to the hon. and gallant, Member for Newcastle East (Major Barnes) on the 13th June. Copies of these Treaties are available in the Library of the House. They are, speaking generally, those which in some form or another provide for the mutual accord of most-favoured-nation treatment. I do not think that there would be any advantage in reprinting the relevant Clauses of these Treaties as a separate Paper. The circumstances of each case and the precise provisions of the Treaty concerned would have to be considered before an Order is made.
§ Captain BENNMay we take it that in the case of all the countries to which my right hon. Friend has referred the Bill will be inoperative?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINNo. The effect of the Treaties with each of these countries would have to be taken into account before an Order was made.
§ Captain BENNWill the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind the convenience of Members, in discussing the Bill, of having before them the considered opinion of the Department as to what Clauses would affect the operation of the Bill?
§ Lieut. - Commander KENWORTHYWere these Treaties taken into consideration when the Bill was drafted?