HC Deb 22 July 1931 vol 255 cc1480-1
40. Mr. MANDER

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether a reply has now been received from the Belgium Government with regard to the Government's proposal for a reduction of tariffs by 25 per cent?

Mr. GILLETT (Secretary, Overseas Trade Department)

Yes, Sir. Consideration of this reply is being deferred pending the receipt of further replies from other Governments to which proposals for reductions of duty have been addressed, and in the meanwhile I do not think it would be advisable to indicate the nature of the Belgian reply which is, of course, of a confidential character.

Mr. MANDER

Has it not already been stated in the public Press that the Belgian Government have in the main accepted the Government's proposal?

Mr. GILLETT

I cannot be responsible for what is stated in the Press.

Sir N. GRATTAN-DOYLE

Does this mean that the tariff truce is still in operation?