HC Deb 11 June 1883 vol 280 cc204-5
MR. MONK

asked the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, Whether he is able to make any further communication to the House respecting the imposition of an Eight per Cent. Valorem Duty on British Manufactures introduced in the Ottoman Dominions?

LORD EDMOND FITZMAURICE

Sir, Her Majesty's Charge d'Affaires at Constantinople having reported that the British merchants in Turkey have not protested against the imposition of the 8 per cent ad valorem duties, he has been instructed that, provided that the British merchants do not object, he may accept those duties, while making a reserve on the part of Her Majesty's Government as to the action of the Porte in suddenly bringing the new Tariff into force in disregard of the assurances given to Her Majesty's Embassy, that no change would be made before October next.

MR. BOURKE

asked under what Treaty the duties were now levied on British manufactures?

LORD EDMOND FITZMAURICE

said, they were now levying under the Treaty of 1863.

MR. BOURKE

So there has practically been no change?

LORD EDMOND FITZMAURICE

They are now levying the Duty under the Treaty as they have a right to levy it up to 8 per cent. British merchants are of opinion that in regard to several important classes of articles this change is by no means unfavourable to our manufacturers, as compared with the Tariff which the Porte claims has expired before the Treaty.