§ 47. Commander BELLAIRSasked the Prime Minister whether he intends to make any agreement as to a tariff truce for a number of years subject to the approval of both Houses of Parliament in this country; and whether he will submit it for approval by the forthcoming Imperial Conference?
§ The PRESIDENT of the BOARD of TRADE (Mr. William Graham)I have been asked to reply. In accordance with the settled procedure of His Majesty's Government, which has already been announced in this House, any international agreement which may be signed on this subject will be laid upon the Table of each House before ratification. The answer to the second half of the question is in the negative.
§ Commander BELLAIRSMay I ask the Prime Minister whether he thinks that an agreement of this character, which has not been ratified by Parlia- 1898 ment—by both Houses of Parliament—would be binding on successive Governments?
§ The PRIME MINISTERIt will be laid before Parliament.