§ 68. Mr. ARTHUR MICHAEL SAMUELasked the President of the Board of Trade whether conferences have been held between representatives of His Majesty's Government and representatives of the French Government in connection with the proposals for revising the Franco-British commercial agreement; and, if so, when will he be able to make a statement as to whether there is to be a new treaty or a revision of the 1882 agreement in order to bring it up to date?
§ Mr. W. R. SMITHNo such conferences have taken place, nor are any steps in contemplation at present for the revision of the Anglo-French Commercial Convention of 1882 which, I may add, does not deal with Customs duties.
§ Mr. SAMUELIs it a fact that M. Erbel and M. Arnal representing the French Government have not conferred with the British authorities in connection with this matter?