§ 29. Mr. Shinwellasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he can specify the action taken by the Government to facilitate trade between the Balkan States and the United Kingdom?
Mr. StanleyUnder existing agreements, the basis of trade between the United Kingdom and the countries referred to by the hon. Member is, broadly speaking, the most-favoured-nation principle, which, in the view of His Majesty's Government, is in general the policy best calculated to promote international trade. As I stated in the Debate on the Board of Trade Vote on 15th June, His Majesty's Government are at all times anxious to adopt any course which would increase the trade between the United Kingdom 873 and foreign countries on a basis of mutual advantage, and I can assure the hon. Member that as regards the Balkan States no possibility of this kind will be overlooked.