Oral Answers to Questions — Trade and Commerce. – in the House of Commons at on 9 December 1929.
Sir Nicholas Grattan-Doyle
, Newcastle upon Tyne North
asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the Anglo-French West African Convention of 1898 is still in force; if so, when it expires; and whether any decision has been reached as to its renewal?
Mr. A. HENDERSON:
The Anglo-French West African Convention of the 14th June, 1898, is still in force. The only Article, for which any provision is made, regarding expiry or denunciation is Article 9, which grants to British subjects and French citizens, their goods, and the products of their respective countries similar tariff treatment in certain defined areas in West Africa. This Article will remain in force until the expiry of one year from the date of its denunciation by either of the contracting Powers, and since it is still in force, the question of its renewal does not arise.
Secretary of State was originally the title given to the two officials who conducted the Royal Correspondence under Elizabeth I. Now it is the title held by some of the more important Government Ministers, for example the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs.
