§ 58. Mr. PETHICK-LAWRENCEasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has had any representations from the German Government with regard to the British tariff policy in its relation to the trade treaty; and, in view of the importance of British exports to Germany, what steps he proposes to take in the matter?
§ The SECRETARY of STATE for FOREIGN AFFAIRS (Sir Austen Chamberlain)Since the Anglo-German Commercial Treaty was signed, His Majesty's Government have from time to time been informed that the German Government regard particular British duties as being inconsistent with the terms of that Treaty or of the Protocol annexed thereto, but this view of them is not accepted by His Majesty's Government.
§ Mr. PETHICK-LAWRENCEIs it a fact that the German Government will have the power to get rid of this treaty in a comparatively short time hence?
§ Sir A. CHAMBERLAINI understand that the German Government stated the other day that they proposed to give notice to terminate it.
§ Mr. PETHICK-LAWRENCEDoes not the right hon. Gentleman think that is of considerable importance to British trade?
§ Sir A. CHAMBERLAINIf notice is given to terminate this treaty, we may negotiate another. We must reserve certain liberty, and not unduly tie our hands as to what our own fiscal arrangements may be.
§ Mr. W. THORNEIs the right hon. Gentleman aware if, among all the nations affiliated to Geneva, any headway is being made in regard to the free exchange of all commodities?
§ Sir A. CHAMBERLAINNo, Sir. The idea of abolishing all duties has never entered into the mind of any man at Geneva as a practical proposition. Very few countries have so few duties as we have.