HC Deb 13 November 1933 vol 281 c543
32. Mr. HANNON

asked the Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department what communications have passed between his Department and British firms in a position to tender for the construction of the hydro-electric power station across the River Daugava, in Latvia?

Lieut.-Colonel COLVILLE

My hon. Friend will appreciate that the terms of communications between the Department of Overseas Trade and firms are necessarily confidential, but whenever a real prospect of remunerative business arises, it is at once brought to the notice of British manufacturers through the usual channel.

Mr. HANNON

Will my hon. and gallant Friend make it clear to the House that in every case of this kind his Department will do what it can to secure the offer of these contracts to British manufacturers?

Lieut.-Colonel COLVILLE

Yes, Sir, I can give that assurance to my hon. Friend. Members of the Department do and will do their best to make them known.

Commercial Agreements in force with Countries the produce and manufactures of which are entitled in the United Kingdom to most-favoured-nation treatment in the matter of Customs Duties.
Country Insturment and Date of Signature, When Terminable.
Abyssinia … Treaty, May 14th, 1897 … No provision for termination.
Albania … Notes, June 10th, 1925 … At any time on 3 months' notice.
Argentine … Treaty, February 2nd, 1825 … No provision for termination.
Austria … Treaty, May 22nd, 1924 … February 11th, 1935, or thereafter on 12 months' notice.
Belgium … Notes, July 27th, 1898 … At any time on 3 months' notice.
Bolivia … Treaty, August 1st, 1911 … At any time on 12 months' notice.
Brazil … Notes, September 11th, 1931 … September 10th, 1934, or thereafter on 6 months' notice.
Bulgaria … Notes, November 12th, 1925 … At any time on 3 months' notice.
Chile … Notes, October 15th, 1931 … At any time on 15 days' notice.
China … Treaty, December 20th, 1928 … No provision for termination.
Colombia … Treaty, February 16th, 1866 … At any time on 12 months' notice.
Czechoslovakia … Treaty, July 14th, 1923 … At any time on 12 months' notice