§ 19. Mr. Shinwellasked the President of the Board of Trade whether the Oslo Agreement is working satisfactorily; and whether it is the intenton of the Government to associate itself in some form with those countries who are signatories to the agreement, with a view to a modification of trade barriers?
Mr. StanleyAs regards the first part of the question, I have no information. As regards the second part, my information is that other States may adhere to the Convention subject to reaching a preliminary agreement with the signatory States. This would appear to involve negotiations with each of the signatory States as to the special concessions which might be made. In these circumstances, I do not think that the question of the participation of the United Kingdom Government in the agreement can usefully be considered apart from the existing bilateral agreements which govern the trade relations between this country and the majority of the "Oslo" countries.
§ Mr. ShinwellMay we take it that the Government are in complete sympathy with the principle underlying that agreement, and, if that be so, can the Government indicate what are their views?
Mr. StanleyAs a matter of fact, my right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary, speaking last night, stated quite plainly the agreement of His Majesty's Government with the ideals of the Oslo group. That does not necessarily say they always think the arrangements for reaching those ideals are the best possible.
§ Mr. BellengerWhile appreciating their oft-repeated desire for freer trade, may I ask when we may expect His Majesty's Government to give tangible expression to these desires?
§ Mr. A. ReedIs it not a fact that our agreements with Scandinavian countries actually reduced duties, and therefore set an example for the later Osle Agreement?