HC Deb 02 December 1931 vol 260 cc1076-7
43. Brigadier - General Sir HENRY CROFT

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will give an assurance to the House that no fiscal arrangements of any binding character will be made with any foreign country until decisions have been come to with the self-governing Dominions and other countries of the Empire as to the principles of economic union?

44. Mr. CRAVEN-ELLIS

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he can assure the House that no new trade agreements will be entered into with foreign countries or the Empire under the Abnormal Importations (Customs Duties) Act; and, if any agreements whatsoever are to be negotiated, will they be deferred until scientific tariffs are put into operation?

Major COLVILLE

I can assure the House that His Majesty's Government in the United Kingdom will enter into no engagements with foreign countries which would be likely to prejudice either the objects of the Abnormal Importations (Customs Duties) Act or any future arrangements with the rest of the Empire.