§ MR. MARJORIBANKSasked the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, Whether it is the fact that the Duty on cured herrings exported from Scotland is to be raised in Russia from 4s. 8d. to 7s. per barrel, and in Germany from 3s. to 11s. 6d. per barrel; and, if so, whether any steps have been taken by the Government to remonstrate against and to obtain a re-consideration of such increase of Duty?
§ MR. BIRKBECKalso asked the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, Whether his attention has been called to the proposed increase of 50 per cent. Duty on English and Scotch herrings exported into Russia and Germany; and whether, taking into consideration the importance of the trade, and the very serious effect likely to arise to our fisheries therefrom, he would at once take the necessary steps to bring the matter before the Governments of Russia and Germany, with the view of obtaining an alleviation of such increase?
§ LORD EDMOND FITZMAURICEThe duty on salted herrings in Russia has been raised, as stated by my hon. Friend, and announced in The London Gazette of the 13th instant. A representation to the Russian Government will be made on the subject; but I must remind my hon. Friend that this country has no special tariff arrangement with Russia, and can only claim the treatment of the most-favoured nation. With regard to Germany, Sir Edward Malet reports that there is no alteration in the rate of duty on herrings.