§ SIR JOHN ROLLESTON (Leicester)To ask the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is aware that the Government of the United States of America impose a discriminating duty upon paintings and statuary imported from the United Kingdom five per cent. in excess of those imported from the rest of Europe; and if he will cause representations to be made with the view to the removal of this excess duty.
1342 (Answer.) It is the case that a remission of duty by five per cent. accorded by the United States, under the provisions of Reciprocity Treaties with Franco, Germany, Portugal, and Italy, to painting and statuary has not been extended to the United Kingdom. Representations on the subject were made to the United States Government in 1900, but have not led to any result. Instructions will be sent to His Majesty's Ambassador at Washington to remind the United States Government on the subject.—(Foreign Office.)