§ Sir W. SMILESasked the President of the Board of Trade whether the Government intend to take action on the lines of the Manchester Chamber of Commerce 557W suggestion to appoint a special committee to examine the operation of the most-favoured-nation clause in commercial treaties with foreign Powers?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANI have already informed the Manchester Chamber of Commerce in two letters, which have been published, that in my opinion, the appointment of such a committee by the Government is not called for, but that if the chamber themselves wish to appoint a committee, I shall be happy to put at their disposal all the information and assistance which the Board of Trade can give.