§ 47. Mr. A. M. SAMUELasked the President of the Board of Trade whether the French Government will be asked to embody the most-favoured-nation principle in a new agreement in such a form as to enable the French Government to make concessions in favour of British goods in return for the free market accorded by Great Britain to most French goods which is not accorded by other countries to French goods?
§ Mr. W. R. SMITHProposals for tariff reductions in favour of United Kingdom goods have already been submitted to the French Government and are under the consideration of that Government. No new agreement, however, that could be concluded between this country and France would enable the latter country to withhold from other countries which have treaty rights in France the advantages which she might be ready to accord to us.
§ Mr. SAMUELWill the hon. Gentleman convey to the French Government, in connection with the making of any new trade arrangements, that the favour which we are told we enjoy from France is of no use to us on the present principle?
§ Sir H. BETTERTONIs lace included in these proposals?
§ Mr. CHARLES WILLIAMSDo they include fish?