§ 54. Sir MURDOCH McKENZIE WOODasked the President of the Board of Trade whether negotiations are at present proceeding with a view to a trade agreement with Germany; if so, whether he will state what form the negotiations are taking; what special commodities are being considered; and whether herrings will be included within the scope of the discussions?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANI do not anticipate that general negotiations with the German Government on tariff matters will be entered into for some little time. The question of the recently increased duty on salted herrings in Germany has, however, been the subject of discussion between the fishing interests of this country arid of Germany, and it is hoped that proposals for mutual concessions of a satisfactory nature may result.
§ Sir A. M. SAMUELIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the taxation by Germany of herrings from the East Coast of England this year has very nearly wrecked the industry, and that the herring fishing season is now very nearly over?
§ Sir P. HARRISIs not this the in evitable result of a tariff policy?