HC Deb 20 March 1928 vol 215 cc189-90
8. Mr. PETHICK-LAWRENCE

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in view of the injury which the abrogation of the Trade Treaty with Germany would inflict on British exports to that country, he has formed any estimate of the value of trade that would, be adversely affected in this way?

Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTER

No, Sir. I have not thought it necessary to consider such a hypothetical case, seeing that the Treaty will in any event remain in force till 8th September, 1930.

Mr. PETHICK-LAWRENCE

Will the right hon. Gentleman not take this fact into account when he is proposing additional safeguarding, and does he not realise that the injury to British exports may be far greater than any gain he may expect to get?

Mr. SPEAKER

That is a matter for argument.

Mr. A. V. ALEXANDER

Are the Commercial Relations Department considering the Treaty?

Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTER

No, Sir. The Treaty continues in any event till the 8th September, 1930, and in any consideration given to this or a future Treaty the policy of His Majesty's present advisers will be guided solely by the interests of British industry.