§ 24. Mr. H. Hyndasked the President of the Board of Trade whether the Government have yet ratified the Havana Charter providing for an international trade organisation; and if he will make a statement.
§ Sir D. EcclesNo, Sir. The Government adhere to the decision taken in February, 1951, not to ratify.
§ Mr. HyndDoes the President of the Board of Trade realise that the British delegates to the Inter-Parliamentary Union Conference to be held next month will be somewhat embarrassed when they discuss the question of the removal of obstacles to international trade, as this Government are not showing an example in this matter?
§ Sir D. EcclesNo, Sir, I did not realise that, because I thought that the G.A.T.T., which is the provisional instrument, had, in fact, done the job.
§ Mr. Biggs-DavisonWere not the principles and provisions of the Havana Charter entirely injurious to the economic interests of the British Commonwealth?
§ Sir D. EcclesNot entirely.