§ 49. Sir P. Harrisasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether the speech of the President of the Board of Trade at the National Liberal Club on 24th February, to the effect that the best thing that could happen to the world is to have a free exchange of commodities and services, represents the policy of His Majesty's Government?
§ The Chancellor of the Exchequer (Mr. Chamberlain)I have seen only summarised Press reports of this speech, but it is clear from them that the words mentioned were part of a sentence in which my right hon. Friend expressed the sympathy which: His Majesty's Government feel with the views urged by the Secretary of State for the United States. For a statement of the policy of His Majesty's Government, I would refer the hon. Member to the speech made by my right hon. Friend at the British Industries Fair Banquet on 15th February, in which he remarked that there can be no great volume of international trade unless it works on the principle that in return for the goods we sell and the services that we render we are prepared to accept goods and services in return.
§ Sir P. HarrisIs not the policy of His Majesty's Government to be in favour of the free exchange of commodities and services between all countries?
§ Mr. ChamberlainThat is a repetition of the question on the Paper.
§ Brigadier-General Sir Henry CroftIs it not a fact that the range of duties in the United States described as free trade has usually been approximately 30 per cent. in the past?
§ Mr. SpeakerWe cannot go into that now.