§ MR. BRISTOWE (Lambeth, Norwood)asked the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, whether it has been brought to his notice that British cotton cloths when imported into Cochin China, which for about two years have been subject to the Tariff General, and under it have been taxed at rates varying from 20 per cent to 40 per cent on their respective values, are now, under a resolution adopted recently by the Conseil d'Etat at Paris, to be charged an additional duty of 60 per cent; whether remonstrances have been made as to this impost, on the ground that it will be prohibitory as regards British cloths; and, whether, if enforced, such cloths now en route viâ Hong Kong and Singapore, or actually contracted for in Lancashire, will be subject to the said impost?
§ *SIR J. FERGUSSONThe statement contained in the first paragraph of this question is substantially correct. As regards the second paragraph no remonstrance has been made because there is no treaty ground for remonstrance, and because this measure is in accordance with a settled policy, deliberately adopted. Whether goods now en route will be subjected to the increased duties must depend on the regulations under which these duties will be applied. On this point inquiry will be made at Paris, and I will inform my hon. Friend of the reply.