§ 29. Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYasked the Prime Minister what steps His Majesty's Government have taken to give effect to the third resolution proposed by the Commission on International Trade at the Brussels International Financial Conference in 1920, and unanimously adopted by the Conference, in which it is recommended that each country should aim at the progressive restoration of freedom of commerce; and whether the declaration of the Supreme Council on 8th March, 1920, which stated that the States enlarged as a result of the War should at once arrange for the unrestricted interchange of commodities, is still adhered to by His Majesty's Government?
§ Sir P. LLOYD - GREAMEHis Majesty's Government have by the progressive removal of the controls established in war time, consistently followed the course advocated by the Brussels Conference. The answer to the second part of the question is in the affirmative.
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYIs it not a fact that the Bill which is to be discussed this afternoon is in direct contradiction to the proposals of this very distinguished Conference?
§ Sir P. LLOYD-GREAMENo, Sir. I do not think it is the least in conflict with these proposals. Perhaps the hon. and 2321 gallant Gentleman is not aware that of the 39 countries represented at the Conference, all, I think, except this country, had protective tariffs.
§ Mr. SPEAKERWe had better not discuss that until the proper time.