HC Deb 10 December 1935 vol 307 cc708-9
10 and 11. Mr. R. ACLAND

asked the President of the Board of Trade (1) whether His Majesty's Government are now conducting with any other Government or Governments negotiations having as their object the reduction or removal of tariffs or quotas; and, if so, with which Government or Governments; and

(2) whether His Majesty's Government intend to take the initiative in opening with any other Government or Governments negotiations having as their object the reduction or removal of tariffs or quotas; and, if so, with which other Government or Governments?

Captain WALLACE

Following their declared policy, the Government have under constant review the possibility of negotiating trade agreements with other countries. At the moment, negotiations with Peru, the Netherlands and Netherland East Indies are in progress.

Mr. T. WILLIAMS

Since 1931, have the Government initiated any further trade agreement of an international character for an all-round reduction?

Captain WALLACE

We have negotiated trade agreements with about 19 different countries.

Mr. WILLIAMS

Apart from the trade agreements, to which the hon. and gallant Gentleman referred, have the Government made proposals of a comprehensive character to a large number of countries generally?

Captain WALLACE

The fact that we have negotiated 19 successful agreements shows that we have made a very large number of proposals.