§ 13. Colonel WEDGWOODasked the President of the Board of Trade whether the exchange dumping duties imposed by Canada on imports from countries whose currencies have depreciated as compared with the currency of Canada are still being applied to imports from this country; if so, what is at present being taken as the average value of the pound as compared with that of the Canadian currency; and what is the present rate of this exchange dumping duty on imports from this country?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANThis 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 February to 15th February the average value of the pound has been fixed at 3.86 dollars; and the duty amounts to 54 cents for every pound value of the invoice, being the difference between this figure and the fixed rate of 4.40 dollars.
§ Colonel WEDGWOODWould it not be possible to have publication of these figures as soon as they are known, regularly; and can the right hon. Gentleman say how often the rate is changed?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANThe rate is changed once a fortnight. I will consider whether we cannot make a public announcement immediately the figures are ascertained.
Major LLOYD GEORGEIs it a fact that the operation of this duty makes it possible for goods manufactured in foreign countries to be imported into Canada on terms more favourable than those accorded to goods manufactured in Great Britain?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANI could not answer that question without having the facts put before me. If my hon. and gallant Friend means in comparison with goods imported from the United States, I would 788 point out that in the United States there is no currency depreciation, which is the reason given for this anti-dumping duty.