§ 16. Colonel WEDGWOODasked the President of the Board of Trade whether the special dumping duty imposed by Canada on imports from countries whose currencies have depreciated as compared with the currency of Canada is being applied to imports from this country; and, if so, what is its present rate in respect of them?
§ Lieut.-Colonel COLVILLEYes, Sir, the special duty is still being applied to imports into Canada of goods from this country of a class or kind made or produced in Canada. For Customs entries during the period 1st to 15th November, the duty on United Kingdom goods amounts to 68 cents for every pound value of the invoice; that is, the difference between the fixed rate of 4.40 dollars and the average value of the pound, namely, 3.72 dollars, which has been proclaimed for Customs entries for the period in question. The average value of the pound for this purpose is declared fortnightly.
§ Colonel WEDGWOODIn that case will this penalisation of British goods increase during the next quarter owing to the fall in the pound?
§ Lieut.-Colonel COLVILLEThe particulars given relate to the fortnightly period, but I should point out that under Article 17 of the Canadian Agreement His Majesty's Government in Canada have undertaken to give consideration to the reduction and ultimate removal of the existing exchange dumping duties as soon as circumstances permit, and we attach importance to that undertaking.
§ Colonel WEDGWOODBut who gives consideration to it, the Tariff Board which they are setting up, or the Government themselves?
§ Lieut.-Colonel COLVILLEThe Canadian Government themselves.