§ 26. Mr. MANDERasked the President of the Board of Trade if he will state the present position with regard to the negotiations with certain foreign countries for a 25 per cent. reduction of tariffs?
§ Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTERAs was stated in the House last July, the original replies received from the foreign Governments did not sufficiently indi- 284 cate the extent to which they were prepared to meet the suggestions made by the late Government and that Government addressed to them further inquiries. No definite progress can be said to have been made.
§ Mr. MANDERIs it intended to pursue these negotiations energetically?
§ Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTERAny negotiations would be pursued energetically by the Government, but the hon. Member will appreciate that it does not necessarily follow that they will be conducted in exactly the same way.
§ Mr. EDEAre we to understand that there is to be no continuity of policy on this particular thing?
§ Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTERThere will be continuity of policy where continuity of policy is desirable.