§ 23. Sir K. WOODasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he can make a statement as to the progress and proceedings of the Tariff Truce Congress?
§ Mr. W. GRAHAMThe Tariff Conference met on 17th February, and the first week was occupied by a series of plenary meetings at which the delegates of the participating countries outlined their views. Two Committees have now been appointed, one to deal with the draft Convention for a tariff truce, and the other to draw up a programme of negotiations for collective agreements. These Committees are pursuing their tasks and are expected to report in the course of about a fortnight to the main conference.
§ Sir K. WOODDoes the right hon. Gentleman anticipate that anything more will happen than the appointment of committees?
§ Mr. GRAHAMI expect very excellent results.
§ Mr. HANNONWill the findings of these committees be submitted to the House before the Government arrives at any definite policy?
§ Mr. GRAHAMNot the findings of the two committees, which are committees of 2030 the conference at Geneva, but, if anything is proposed in final form, it will certainly come before the House, and I believe hon. Members opposite have given notice for a debate in the near future.
§ Sir K. WOODWill not the right hon. Gentleman be very happy if there are any findings at all?
§ Mr. GRAHAMThere will be findings.
§ Sir WILLIAM DAVISONWhatever the result, is the right hon. Gentleman aware that meanwhile, during the truce, this country will be very gravely prejudiced?