§ MR. KIMBER (Wandsworth)asked the President of the Board of Trade, Whether any and what endeavours are being made, or recommended by the Board of Trade to the Foreign Office, to induce the abolition of subsidies or bounties on Foreign goods imported into British markets, or to prevent the importation and sale of subsidised goods in competition with British goods not so subsidised?
§ THE PRESIDENT (Mr. MUNDELLA) (Sheffield, Brightside)The subject of the hon. Member's Question is one of those which is being inquired into by the Royal Commission on the Depression of Trade, and the Board of Trade will take into consideration any recommendations they may make respecting it. Her Majesty's Government, as at present advised, while disapproving of any interference with trade, whether by bounties or by protective duties, are not aware that they have any means of inducing or compelling foreign Governments to abandon them. They have no intention of entering upon a war of tariffs against bounties which, whatever harm they may do in other ways, certainly have the effect of giving English consumers cheap foreign sugar at the expense of the foreign taxpayer.
§ MR. RITCHIE (Tower Hamlets, St. George's)asked the right hon. Gentleman whether he was aware that the Prime Minister, during his previous Administration, replying to a deputation which waited upon him in reference to this subject, said he could not view with any favour a cheapness artificially brought about by foreign bounties?
§ MR. MUNDELLAI am not aware of such an answer. If the hon. Member desires me to reply to the Question, perhaps he will give me Notice of it.