HC Deb 11 July 1938 vol 338 c895
15. Mr. A. Henderson

asked the Prime Minister whether he will specify the British overseas territories in which the German Government have asked for trading concessions, and the nature of such concessions?

The Secretary of State for the Colonies (Mr. Malcolm MacDonald)

I have been asked to reply. I am not in a position to make a statement on this subject at present. The requests which have been put forward by the German Government are receiving a preliminary examination by His Majesty's Government.

Mr. Henderson

Will the Government take the earliest opportunity of giving this information to the public?

Mr. MacDonald

This particular piece of information is connected with the other matters raised in these discussions. I think, perhaps, an answer to the whole question of giving publicity to the German requests had better be addressed to the Prime Minister.

Mr. Thorne

Can the hon. Member say why you can come to understandings on trade questions, but when it comes to political questions you are simply at daggers drawn?

Mr. MacDonald

That raises a matter which cannot be dealt with in reply to a supplementary question.