HC Deb 20 February 1958 vol 582 cc1391-2
44. Mr. Biggs-Davison

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer to what extent Her Majesty's Government's offer of free trade between the United Kingdom and Canada is to be made to other Commonwealth countries.

Mr. Maudling

Her Majesty' Government are always prepared to discuss such proposals with other Commonwealth Governments.

Mr. Biggs-Davison

Would my right right hon. Friend agree that as things are it would be very difficult to achieve free trade between various Commonwealth countries? Having regard to what the Prime Minister said yesterday about the unique importance of the Commonwealth as a world force. will Her Majesty's Government in the United Kingdom use the coming Commonwealth Trade and Economic Conference and all possible opportunities to replace the largely obsolete Ottawa system by a modern, up-to-date system of Commonwealth preference and development?

Mr. Maudling

We certainly hope at the forthcoming Commonwealth Conference to work out with our colleagues ways and means of extending inter-Commonwealth trade, but I think it would be unwise at this stage to particularise any one method.