HC Deb 24 June 1930 vol 240 cc941-3
1 and 2. Viscount WOLMER

asked the President of the Board of Trade (1) whether Czechoslovakia and Poland have ratified the Prohibitions Abolition Convention;

(2) whether this country is now bound by the Prohibition's Abolition Convention; and, if so, what is the earliest date by which it can be relieved of its obligations under that Convention?

The PRESIDENT of the BOARD of TRADE (Mr. William Graham)

in Czechoslovakia, I understand that a Bill is before the legislature to enable that country to ratify. The Czechoslovak Government have asked for an extension till 26th June of the time within which they may ratify, and His Majesty's Government have intimated that they agree, for their part, to this extension. The Polish Government have, however, notified the League that they are obliged to postpone their adhesion to the Convention till either free circulation, guaranteed internationally, is re-established in all branches of Poland's external commerce, or till Poland can ensure adequately, by means of bilateral agreements, her exportation to those natural markets which are at present closed to her by artificial regulation of imports. In these circumstances, it appears that the ratifications necessary to bring the Convention fully into force will not be forthcoming. If so, His Majesty's Government will remain bound by the Convention, in company with the United States of America, Japan, the Netherlands, Norway and Portugal, and, I believe, Denmark, at least till 30th June, 1931.

Viscount WOLMER

Can the right hon. Gentleman say what object he has in tying the hands of the country while those of other countries remain free?

Mr. GRAHAM

If the Noble Lord refers to the tariff truce, that is quite a different matter. This was largely prepared before our time. I am only describing what has happened in regard to the Prohibitions Abolition Convention.

Viscount WOLMER

Is it not the fact that last January the right hon. Gentleman tied the hands of this country, as far as he could, from 1930 to 1933, and that that action will prevent his party from either helping agriculture through an import board or making arrangements at the Imperial Conference?

Mr. GRAHAM

I do not take that view, but it is obviously material for debate. If the Noble Lord is referring to the tariff truce, we should have to discuss that separately.