§ 24. Mr. HANNONasked the Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department whether, in the forthcoming negotiations between His Majesty's Government and the Government of the Netherlands, careful consideration will be given to the vital importance of inter-Imperial trade, and that no obligation will be undertaken prejudicial to the full development of reciprocal trade arrangements between Great Britain and our Dominions and Colonies?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the BOARD of TRADE (Dr. Burgin)I can assure my hon. Friend that all relevant matters including that of inter-Imperial trade, are and will continue to be fully considered by His Majesty's Government in negotiating trade agreements with foreign countries.
§ Mr. HANNONBefore these agreements are effected are any consultations held with the representatives of the Dominions or Colonies in order to be certain that none of our arrangements with them will be interfered with?
§ Dr. BURGINAs this is a rather important matter, it had better be asked in a subsequent question. With regard to the negotiations with the Netherlands which are now proceeding, the position of the Dominions and the Home Government is perfectly well known by those negotiating.
§ Mr. HANNONIn the case of the Netherlands and other countries, is it not vital that our Imperial relations in these matters should be taken into consideration?
§ Dr. BURGINThe hon. Member may rest assured that that can be safely left in the hands of those negotiating.
§ Mr. HERBERT WILLIAMSHaving regard to the fact that they were not safe in the case of Denmark, does the hon. Gentleman not realise that anxiety is felt?