The debate on the Ottawa agreements emphasised the growing disillusionment
among many Conservatives at the results of those instruments. Not merely is it felt that Great Britain has had the worst of the bargain, but there is anxiety lest the agreements should stand in the way of any movement towards freer trade and the settlement of the economic grievances of Central Europe. The point was well put from the Government benches by Mr. Loftus, who argued that " if the dissatisfied nations make proposals for a world settlement and we have tied up the colonial market for another three years it will be a deplorable position." The discussion gave an opportunity for the independent Liberals, who foresaw these dangers four years ago, and resigned from the Government on the issue, to make an effective Parlia- mentary demonstration. They were led by Mr. Foot, who is developing into a really formidable Opposition speaker.
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