§ 40. Mr. HAMMERSLEYasked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in view of the advice he recently received from the various chambers of commerce throughout the country, he will now enter upon a policy designed for the abrogation of existing treaties which will enable all the Colonies to give effective preference to Great Britain?
§ Lieut.-Colonel J. COLVILLE (Secretary, Overseas Trade Department)I am aware of the views expressed by certain chambers of commerce on the matter and it is proposed to consult organisations representative of trade generally as soon as all the relevant facts can be put before them.
§ Mr. HAMMERSLEYMay we take it that a definite policy is now being pursued whereby in a reasonable time the Government will have made up their mind in respect of this very important matter?
§ Lieut.-Colonel COLVILLEThe Government regard the matter as of importance, but complicated legal issues are involved.
§ Sir W. WAYLANDIs it not a fact, in spite of the complicated nature of the considerations involved, that these representations have been made to the Government for a very large number of months, and have the Government not all the information they require?
§ Lieut.-Colonel COLVILLEThat is so, but details will have to be examined.
§ Mr. HAMMERSLEYDo we gather that, in fact, the Government are going to come to a decision on this matter?
§ Lieut.-Colonel COLVILLEI think the hon. Member will recognise that the decision must be one which will be helpful to trade, and therefore we are consulting trade interests.
§ Mr. MAXTONCan we have the assurance of the Minister that he will not be rushed in this matter?
§ Lieut.-Colonel COLVILLEThe Government have every desire to take proper action and to pursue a proper course.