§ 17. Mr. BERNAYSasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is in a position to state the results of the recent tariff negotiations with Denmark?
§ Lieut.-Colonel J. COLVILLE (Secretary, Overseas Trade Department)The negotiations are still in progress and I am not yet in a position to make a statement.
§ Mr. BERNAYSCan the hon. and gallant Gentleman state whether these negotiations are proceeding on the lines of a mutual lowering of tariffs?
§ Lieut.-Colonel COLVILLEI think the hon. Gentleman might with confidence leave that matter to the Government.
§ Sir MURDOCH McKENZIE WOODCan the hon. and gallant Gentleman tell us whether the Import Duties Advisory Committee are consulted with regard to these negotiations?
§ Lieut.-Colonel COLVILLEThe Import Duties Advisory Committee are aware of what His Majesty's Government are doing.
§ Sir PERCY HARRISAre the Dominions consulted about what the Government are doing?
§ Mr. MARTINDo not the trade returns with regard to Denmark show an increase in our favour as a result of tariff action?
§ Lieut.-Colonel COLVILLEIt is the case that our exports to Denmark have increased.
§ Mr. THORNEIs not the hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that these tariffs are paralysing the trade of every country in the world?
§ Lieut. - Colonel COLVILLEHis Majesty's Government are endeavouring to deal with these barriers.
§ Mr. KIRKWOODAre we not going to get a big order from Denmark which will help the steel industry of this country?