HC Deb 07 August 1907 vol 180 c70
* SIR MAURICE LEVY (Leicestershire, Loughborough)

I beg to ask the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he has received any further communication from the Australian Customs authorities with reference to the alleged unfair treatment of certain British imports, whether the Order complained of, by which duties were levied on certain articles of British manufacture at rates greatly in excess of their value, has now been cancelled; whether under these circumstances the excess duty already paid will be refunded by the Australian Government; and whether any assurance has been given that British manufacturers shall not be subjected to prejudicial treatment in future.

THE UNDER-SECRETARY OF STATE FOR THE COLONIES (Mr. CHURCHILL,) Manchester, N.W.

No further communication has yet been received from the Commonwealth Government on this subject, but their attention will again be called to it.

* SIR MAURICE LEVY

Has not the right hon. Gentleman received a copy of the note in which the Controller-General of Customs promised that the rebates shall now be made?

MR. CHURCHILL

No, Sir.

* SIR MAURICELEVY

Well, I have a copy in my possession which I will hand you.