§ 46. Sir JOSEPH LAMBasked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the situation created by bounty-fed competition, it is the intention of His Majesty's Government to denounce such treaties and conventions as forbid the imposition of countervailing duties in this country; and, if so, when that intention will be implemented?
§ Mr. W. GRAHAMI have been asked to answer this question. The answer to the first part is in the negative; the second part, therefore, does not arise.
§ Sir J. LAMBIs it the intention of the Government to allow these conditions to continue permanently?
§ Mr. GRAHAMNo. We make whatever representations are possible, but my hon. Friend asks me to do an impossible thing. I should have to denounce almost a score of treaties, with disastrous results to British commerce.
§ Sir J. LAMBIs the right hon. Gentleman aware of the disastrous results to British agriculture?
§ Captain CROOKSHANKWill the right hon. Gentleman consider entering into negotiations, for example, with the German Government on this subject, without necessarily denouncing a treaty, but modifying it?
§ Mr. GRAHAMIn one of the previous Debates in the House I indicated that, we had made informal representations at Geneva. That, in fact, has already been done.
§ Mr. MARJORIBANKSWhat was the result of those representations?
§ Mr. GRAHAMI cannot anticipate the result this afternoon, but, they have promised to give the matter most careful consideration. I am hoping that there will be a result.