§ 35. Sir P. HANNONasked the President of the Board of Trade whether, when concluding a further agreement with Denmark, he will endeavour so to conclude the agreement that any benefits which it is proposed to confer upon Danish traders shall not be given simultaneously to other countries on account of the most-favoured-nation treatment clause?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANThe extension to third countries of any benefits to Danish traders, arising from a continuation after 20th June of the Anglo-Danish Trade Agreement, is dependent upon the stipulations of existing treaties between this country and third countries. These treaties normally provide for most-favoured-nation treatment to both parties in respect, inter alia, of Customs duties and import and export prohibitions and restrictions.
§ Mr. LEVYWould it not be wise to terminate the most-favoured-nation clause in order to give my right hon. Friend greater facilities for bargaining with those with whom we intend to make further trade agreements?
§ 56. Mr. BOULTONasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that the manufacturers of cutlery who have orders for Denmark are unable to proceed with such orders owing to licences for cutlery not being issued; will he urge the importance of this matter with the Danish authorities; and will he bear the cutlery trade in mind when discussing any new agreement with the Danish Government?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANI am aware that there have been complaints of inadequate licences for the importation of cutlery into Denmark, and the matter is being borne in mind in the negotiations now proceeding.