§ 29. Mr. LYONSasked the President of the Board of Trade the export and import figures for the six months ended 30th April, 1936, or nearest convenient date, between this country and Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, respectively?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the BOARD of TRADE (Dr. Burgin)As the answer is in the form of a tabular statement, I will with my hon. and learned Friend's permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.
§ Mr. LYONSIs it not a fact that Empire trade shows a definite increase as compared with last year?
§ Following is the statement:
§ other Governments, in this sphere, but I am very doubtful as to whether the opening of general negotiations would facilitate the attainment of the objective in view. In this connection I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given by my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary to my hon. Friend the Member for Southampton (Mr. Craven-Ellis) on 14th May. As regards the second half of the question, His Majesty's Government are unaware of any steps which they could usefully take in the matter.
§ Mr. ELLIS SMITHWill not the right hon. Gentleman give further consideration to this question, in order that the English-speaking countries shall set an example to the world?
§ Mr. EDENThe hon. Gentleman may be sure that we shall be ready to do anything we can to facilitate better relations among the English-speaking countries.
§ Mr. H. G. WILLIAMSDid not the United States of America decline to join the League of Nations because they objected to the coercive nature of the Covenant?
§ Mr. THORNENo, Sir.
§ Mr. LEACHDoes the answer of the right hon. Gentleman mean that the Government are willing to return to a system of Free Trade if the rest of the world will agree?