§ 18. Mr. MARTINasked the President of the Board of Trade if he will consider making representations to the French Government that it would be of advantage to this country and to France to lower the Customs barriers which operate against the exports of the French luxury trades to this country and the export of British coal to France?
§ Mr. COLVILLE (Secretary, Overseas Trade Department)My hon. Friend's suggestion has been noted.
§ Mr. MARTINDoes the answer mean that the House can take it that His Majesty's Government are not in agreement with the policy of the removal of mutually disadvantageous restrictions?
§ Mr. COLVILLEIt has been announced that such bargains could not be undertaken before the Ottawa Conference, but the suggestion of my hon. Friend in this regard has been noted.
§ Mr. GODFREY NICHOLSONMay we take it that as soon as the Ottawa Conference has been concluded, negotiations will be entered into in this direction?
§ Mr. COLVILLEMany countries are anxious to enter into negotiations with us.
§ Mr. BATEYAre we to understand that the mining class is to be starved until the Ottawa Conference takes place?
§ Mr. REMERWill my hon. Friend give an assurance that in no circumstances will the Silk Duties be used as a bargaining power?