§ 15. Sir K. WOODasked the President of the Board of Trade if he can make any 1425 statement concerning the negotiations in relation to a new trade agreement between this country and France?
§ Mr. W. GRAHAMThe only trade negotiations with France that are in contemplation are those arising out of the proposals in regard to tariff reductions put forward to the French Government as well as to the Governments of six other countries to which I have already referred in this House. I have taken the opportunity of the presence of certain French officials in this country to exchange views in a preliminary way in regard to this matter, but no detailed negotiations have yet been undertaken.
§ Sir K. WOODHow is the matter progressing; is it getting on very well?
§ Mr. GRAHAMI adhere now as always to my optimistic views.
§ Mr. HANNONIs it not a fact that there is a very strong feeling in France against any concession in tariffs to this country?
§ Mr. GRAHAMThat is rather difficult to cover in a supplementary answer. There are certain views of French industrialists, but there is still the question of the reply of the French Government to the representations that we have made.
§ Sir HENRY BETTERTONWill these negotiations consider at all the free import of French lace into this country.
§ Sir W. BRASSrose—
§ Mr. SPEAKERThis is the same old fiscal Debate.