HC Deb 15 June 1937 vol 325 cc174-5
5. Mr. Shinwell

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in view of the Government's declarations in favour of the lowering of economic barriers, he has yet expressed his approval of the Oslo Agreement signed recently at the Hague; whether the Government intend to initiate negotiations with a view to adhering to this convention; and whether they will, in any case, abstain from any action which might hinder the success of the agreement?

12. Mr. Bellenger

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he has received the text of the Oslo Trade Agreement; and whether the suppression of quotas on certain commodities in the present customs tariff is likely to be of benefit to British exporters?

Mr. Stanley

I have received the text of this agreement, and it is hoped to publish it in the Board of Trade Journal on Thursday next. His Majesty's Government are considering the agreement in all its aspects, and meanwhile I am unable to make a detailed statement on the subject. I would add, however, that information has been received from the Netherlands Government and the Belgian Government that the facilities granted by them under the agreement will be extended to imports from the United Kingdom.

Mr. Shinwell

While the Government are making up their minds, may we have an assurance that there will be no rigid interpretation of the Most-Favoured-Nation Clause?

Mr. Stanley

That is another question, which, perhaps, the hon. Member will put down.

Mr. Shinwell

Then may ask the right hon. Gentleman whether he has seen the last part of my question?

Mr. Stanley

Before I give any answer to it, it would be better if I had time to study the actual text of the agreement.

Mr. H. G. Williams

As long as the Most-Favoured-Nation Clause is operated, will the right hon. Gentleman see that we get all the advantage we can from it?

Mr. Bellenger

Has the right hon. Gentleman's attention been drawn to a statement in the "Times" that considerable benefits will accrue——

Mr. Speaker

Order.

Mr. Bellenger

May I put the supplementary question in a different way? Is not the right hon. Gentleman aware that it is stated that some benefits will accrue to British exporters under this agreement, and does he agree with that suggestion?

Mr. Stanley

It will be better, before I answer that question, that I should have an opportunity of studying the text of the agreement, as I said I was going to do.

Mr. Leach

If the right hon. Gentleman is in favour of reducing trade barriers, why does not he reduce them?