23. Mr. DAVID ADAMSasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether a commercial agreement has yet been entered into between the Egyptian and Palestine Governments; and, if so, what is the nature and duration of the same?
§ Mr. ORMSBY-GOREYes, Sir. The agreement provides for certain reductions in Customs duties and railway rates in 853 each country and for future discussions aimed at the general development and improvement of trade relations by these and other methods. The agreement remains in force until August, 1937, and thereafter indefinitely subject to three months' notice on either side.
Mr. ADAMSIs it the intention of the Government to extend the principle of the reduction of Customs dues with a view to increasing international trade?
§ Mr. ORMSBY-GOREIt is hardly for me to deal with a general question of policy arising out a particular example. Statements regarding the Government's policy have recently been made by the Chancellor of the Exchequer and the President of the Board of Trade, who are more concerned than I am.