§ Colonel WEDGWOODasked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been called to the action of the French Government in imposing additional duties on British goods entering France; whether this is in conformity with the most-favoured-nation treaty with France; and, if not, whether we are in a position to put special duties on French wines, silks, perfumes, and dresses without infringing the said treaty?
§ Major COLVILLEThe answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. Although United Kingdom goods have received most-favoured-nation treatment in France, in the matter of duties under a French law, for some 50 years, there is no treaty in force under which either country is bound to accord such treatment to the goods of the other. The answer to the last part of the question is, accordingly, in the affirmative.
§ Mr. ALEXANDER RAMSAYasked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been called to the recent French decree imposing additional discriminating duties upon imports from various countries, including Great Britain and some of the Dominions; and whether His Majesty's Government are prepared to take retaliatory measures in connection therewith?
§ Major COLVILLEThe answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. As regards the second part, my hon. Friend may rest assured that the whole question of the appropriate action to be taken in the matter is engaging the serious consideration of His Majesty's Government in the United Kingdom.