asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if, in view of the tariff concessions proposed by the Argentine Government, he will state with what countries Argentina has most-favoured-nation treaties?

Mr. A. HENDERSON:

According to the information at my disposal, Argentina has treaties containing a most-favoured-nation Clause with the following countries: Bolivia, Brazil, France, Germany, Great Britain, Italy, Japan, Norway, Spain, Sweden and the United States.

Does that mean that any concession in the Silk Duties in Argentina will he extended to our chief rivals?

Mr. HENDERSON:

I am afraid that that is too important a question to be answered now, and I must have notice of it.

Does not the right hon. Gentleman realise that the Presidential decree is merely a trap, and that it is designed to prejudice—[Interruption].

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what is the present position of negotiations with Argentina following upon the D'Abernon Mission?

I have been asked to reply. As regards the duties in the Argentine on British artificial silk goods, the position is as stated in the answer which the President of the Board of Trade gave on the 21st November to the hon. Member for Wimbledon (Sir J. Power). The trading agreement has been signed, but the arrangements for bringing it into operation are still under discussion.

Will the hon. Gentleman say exactly what undertaking has been given by the British Government to Argentina?

If the hon. Member refers to the Declaration, that has not yet been made; the answer to the question to which I have referred stated at the end that the terms and exact scope of the Declaration are still under consideration.

The Agreement has been signed, but what has been the understanding?

I think, as a matter of fact, that there are two points in negotiation with Argentina; one is the Agreement, and the other is the arrangement under which the British Government are going to make a Declaration, and, in return for that, there is to be a certain alteration in the Silk Duties. I do not know to which the hon. Member was referring, hut I was referring to the Declaration which has to be made.

Can we have a clear statement on the whole subject?

asked the Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department whether His Majesty's Government have yet made the required declaration to the Argentine Government regarding the non-imposing of duties or restrictions to the importation of certain Argentine food produce; and, if so, whether he can now state the terms and exact scope of the declaration?

The answer is in the negative.

Can the hon. Gentleman say whether the trade arrangements in connection with this declaration are already in force, or whether they will have to wait?

They will have to await a final settlement between the Governments.

Can the hon. Gentleman give the House any idea when this declaration is likely to be signed?

I hope very shortly, but I am afraid I do not know more than that.