Oral Answers to Questions — Trade and Commerce. – in the House of Commons at on 9 December 1929.
Sir Patrick Hannon
, Birmingham Moseley
asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he can inform the House of any measures adopted by other countries to translate political agreements into economic agreements; and if positive results have yet been reported to the League secretariat at Geneva?
Mr. A. HENDERSON:
I assume that the hon. Member is referring to the resolution passed by the Assembly of the League of Nations in September directing the Economic Committee of the League to draw up a preliminary draft convention for the conclusion of a tariff truce. The Committee have concluded their labours, and His Majesty's Government have decided to be represented at a preliminary conference of delegates to discuss it. This conference will meet, subject to the consent of the Council at their session in January, about the end of that month. My right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade will represent His Majesty's Government.
Sir Patrick Hannon
, Birmingham Moseley
Does this mean that in fiscal policy the hands of this country are to be tied, while foreign countries are to be free to manipulate their tariffs as they please?
Mr. HENDERSON:
The hon. Member must put that question on the Order Paper; I have answered the question which is before us.
Mr Austen Chamberlain
, Birmingham West
Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether at this Conference the Government will raise the question of bounties on exports as well as of tariff restrictions?
Mr Austen Chamberlain
, Birmingham West
Will the right hon. Gentleman give the House an assurance that, unless the question of bounties on exports is dealt with, the Government will not tie the hands of this country?
Mr. HENDERSON:
If the right hon. Gentleman will place that question upon the Order Paper, I will give him an official reply?
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