§ 20. Mr. HURDasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if, in view of the tariff concessions proposed by the Argentine Government, he will state with what countries Argentina has most-favoured-nation treaties?
Mr. A. HENDERSONAccording to the information at my disposal, Argentina has treaties containing a most-favoured-nation clause with the following countries: Bolivia, Brazil, France, Germany, Great Britain, Italy, Japan, Norway, Spain, Sweden and the United States.
§ Mr. HURDDoes that mean that any concession in the Silk Duties in Argentina will he extended to our chief rivals?
Mr. HENDERSONI am afraid that that is too important a question to be answered now, and I must have notice of it.
§ Mr. LESLIE BOYCEDoes not the right hon. Gentleman realise that the Presidential decree is merely a trap, and that it is designed to prejudice—[Interruption].
§ 21. Mr. HURDasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what is the 18 present position of negotiations with Argentina following upon the D'Abernon Mission?
§ Mr. GILLETTI have been asked to reply. As regards the duties in the Argentine on British artificial silk goods, the position is as stated in the answer which the President of the Board of Trade gave on the 21st November to the hon. Member for Wimbledon (Sir J. Power). The trading agreement has been signed, but the arrangements for bringing it into operation are still under discussion.
§ Mr. HURDWill the hon. Gentleman say exactly what undertaking has been given by the British Government to Argentina?
§ Mr. GILLETTIf the hon. Member refers to the Declaration, that has not yet been made; the answer to the question to which I have referred stated at the end that the terms and exact scope of the Declaration are still under consideration.
§ Mr. GILLETTI think, as a matter of fact, that there are two points in negotiation with Argentina; one is the Agreement, and the other is the arrangement under which the British Government are going to make a Declaration, and, in return for that, there is to be a certain alteration in the Silk Duties. I do not know to which the hon. Member was referring, hut I was referring to the Declaration which has to be made.
§ 50. Mr. ALBERYasked the Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department whether His Majesty's Government have yet made the required declaration to the Argentine Government regarding the non-imposing of duties or restrictions to the importation of certain Argentine food produce; and, if so, whether he can now state the terms and exact scope of the declaration?
§ Mr. GILLETTThe answer is in the negative.
§ Mr. ALBERYCan the hon. Gentleman say whether the trade arrangements in 19 connection with this declaration are already in force, or whether they will have to wait?
§ Mr. GILLETTThey will have to await a final settlement between the Governments.
§ Mr. ALBERYCan the hon. Gentleman give the House any idea when this declaration is likely to be signed?
§ Mr. GILLETTI hope very shortly, but I am afraid I do not know more than that.