HC Deb 15 March 1898 vol 54 c1665
MR. WYLIE

I beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, the French authorities having increased the duty upon British manufactured cotton goods imported into Tunis above the rate expressly arranged by Treaty, what steps are being taken by Her Majesty's Government in connection with this question, which is prejudicially affecting the trade of the country; and, when do they expect to have it rectified?

*THE UNDER SECRETARY OF STATE FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS (Mr. G. N. CURZON,) Lancashire, S.W., Southport

The duty at present levied in Tunis on some classes of cotton goods is in excess of the rate of 5 per cent. specified in the Treaty. The difficulty arises in connection with the meaning to be attached to the word "cotonnades" in the French text. Representations have been addressed to the French Government on the subject, but their reply has not yet been received.