§ 7. Mr. HANNONasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he can make a statement on proposed preferential tariff arrangements between Czechoslovakia, Rumania and Yugoslavia recently discussed at the Conference of the Little Entente; if British trade with these countries will be affected; and if he has given instructions to His Majesty's 1167 Minister at Bucharest to watch developments of any change in the existing policy?
§ Mr. DALTONMy right hon. Friend has no information as to the discussions which took place at the recent Conference of the Little Entente beyond the communiqué published in the Press. As to the effect on British trade of any preferential tariffs between Czechoslovakia, Rumania and Yugoslavia, I would remind the hon. Member that British goods are entitled to most-favoured-nation treatment in all three countries. No special instructions have been issued to His Majesty's Minister at Bucharest who reports regularly on Rumanian policy and its possible effects on British interests.
§ Mr. HANNONWill the hon. Gentleman say whether in any international agreement in Central Europe as indicated in this question no action can be taken where the most-favoured-nation clauses are in operation which would upset the present arrangements?
§ Mr. DALTONI would suggest to the hon. Member that he should put that question to the Board of Trade. Most-favoured - nation arrangements are specially within their province.