HC Deb 18 February 1946 vol 419 cc784-5
32. Mr. Janner

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been drawn to the fact that the economic boycott against the Jewish community of Palestine by the Governments of Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Lebanon and Iraq constitutes a breach of the trade agreements between these States and the United Kingdom since, under these agreements, Palestine is entitled to the benefits of the most-favoured-nation clause; and what. steps he proposes to take to ensure respect for these agreements by the five Governments concerned.

Sir S. Cripps

Of the countries referred to, Egypt is the only one with which the United Kingdom has a Trade Agreement containing a most-favoured-nation clause. On the question of making representations, I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer given by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Colonies to similar Questions on 13thFebruary.

Mr. Janner

Is not this a flagrant breach of the trade agreement with Egypt and will not the right hon. and learned Gentleman do something to remedy the position or take counter-measures?

Sir S. Cripps

As my hon. Friend will see, if he reads the answer I have quoted to him, steps have been taken.