§ Mr. Stanley(by Private Notice) asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the declaration by the United States Assistant Secretary of State, he will state the intentions of His Majesty's Government towards the reduction or modification of Empire Preference.
§ The Prime Minister (Mr. Attlee)I have received no official report of the declaration by the United States Assistant Secretary of State to which the right hon. and gallant Member refers. I have nothing to add to what I said on the subject of Empire Preference in the statement which I made in the House on 6th December.
§ Mr. StanleyMay we take it that there are still no commitments with regard to Empire Preference and that everything has been left to negotiation?
§ The Prime MinisterYes, Sir. I have no information as to anything different from that which has been already said. The right hon. Gentleman will remember that the discussion was on the basis of Empire Preference on the one side and tariff reduction on the other, and that things would have to go through pari passu.
§ Mr. ChurchillAre there negotiations about reductions in tariff not only by the United States but by other countries in the world?
§ The Prime MinisterYes, Sir.
Mr. De la BèreMay we know whether there are any commitments? It is very important. It means everything to the Empire.
§ The Prime MinisterI have already said that there are no commitments beyond the statement made in this House with regard to discussions for a general reduction 1399 if everything was satisfactory to both sides, but there are no commitments.