§ 19. Mr. ARTHUR MICHAEL SAMUELasked the President of the Board of Trade whether the most-favoured-nation principle, embodied in the existing Franco-British commercial agreement of 1882, operates to accord the same benefit to countries which impose duties upon French goods as it does upon British goods although there is a free market here for most French goods?
§ Mr. W. GRAHAMNeither the Anglo-French Commercial Convention of 1882, nor any other treaty in force between the two countries includes any provision securing most-favoured-nation treatment in regard to Customs duties for United Kingdom goods in France. As I informed the hon. Member on 5th May, we enjoy this treatment in virtue of a French law of nearly 50 years standing.
§ Mr. SAMUELWhy does the right hon. Gentleman say that it is enjoyed, in view of the fact that this most-favoured-nation treatment which is given to us is also given to other nations? There is therefore no advantage to us.
§ Mr. GRAHAMEnjoyment is not restricted because it extends to other people.
§ Mr. SAMUELDoes not the word "enjoy" imply—
§ Mr. SPEAKERThe hon. Member must look it up in the dictionary.