HC Deb 22 June 1937 vol 325 cc999-1000
22. Mr. Leach

asked the President of the Board of Trade, in view of the emphatic desire expressed by the representatives of every part of the British Commonwealth represented at the Imperial Conference, that all steps should be taken to secure the stimulation of international trade, what steps are being taken to this end?

Mr. Stanley

As has frequently been stated in this House, His Majesty's Government attach the greatest importance to the stimulation of international trade. With this object, they propose to continue their policy of concluding, in appropriate cases, bilateral trade agreements of which the benefits are generalised under the Most-Favoured-Nation Clause. Moreover, as the House is aware, in conjunction with the French Government they have invited M. van Zeeland, the Prime Minister of Belgium, to undertake informal explorations as to the possibility of some wider action; these explorations are now proceeding.