Imported Produce

46.

Sir JOSEPH LAMB
asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the situation created by bounty-fed competition, it is the intention of His Majesty's Government to denounce such treaties and conventions as forbid the imposition of countervailing duties in this country; and, if so, when that intention will be implemented?

Mr. W. GRAHAM
I have been asked to answer this question. The answer to the first part is in the negative; the second part, therefore, does not arise.

Sir J. LAMB
Is it the intention of the Government to allow these conditions to continue permanently?

Mr. GRAHAM
No. We make whatever representations are possible, but my hon. Friend asks me to do an impossible thing. I should have to denounce almost a score of treaties, with disastrous results to British commerce.

Sir J. LAMB
Is the right hon. Gentleman aware of the disastrous results to British agriculture?

Mr. MILLS
Are not these restrictions the result of the legislation passed in the last four years?

Captain CROOKSHANK
Will the right hon. Gentleman consider entering into negotiations, for example, with the German Government on this subject, without necessarily denouncing a treaty, but modifying it?

Mr. GRAHAM
In one of the previous Debates in the House I indicated that, we had made informal representations at Geneva. That, in fact, has already been done.

Mr. MARJORIBANKS
What was the result of those representations?

Mr. GRAHAM
I cannot anticipate the result this afternoon, but, they have promised to give the matter most careful consideration. I am hoping that there will be a result.