HC Deb 04 June 1930 vol 239 cc2141-2
62. Major COLVILLE

asked the President of the Board of Trade, if, as the result of the tariff truce, he has been enabled to secure the entry on more favourable terms of British goods to any of the foreign countries which signed the convention?

Mr. GILLETT (Secretary, Overseas Trade Department)

As my right hon. friend the President of the Board of Trade informed the hon. and gallant Member on 13th May last, the reduction of tariffs and of other obstacles to trade is not dealt with in the Commercial Convention, but is, under the arrangements concluded at Geneva, to form the subject of future negotiations.

Major COLVILLE

Does the hon. Gentleman consider that this country will be left in a strong position to negotiate for entry into such markets after a tariff truce?

Mr. GILLETT

Yes, Sir.

Mr. HANNON

Does this mean that no concession of any sort or kind will be made to this country by the Continental communities which are contributing parties to this treaty, and that we are to stand the whole brunt of foreign competition with no possibility of defending ourselves?

Mr. GILLETT

No, Sir, it does not mean that. It means that another stage has still to be entered upon before I can give any definite answer.

Mr. C. WILLIAMS

How many stages more are there?

Mr. GILLETT

Only one or two stages more.