HC Deb 22 June 1903 vol 124 cc85-6
MR. GIBSON BOWLES

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Colonies, are the Canadian rates of import duty as given in Cd. 1299 of 1902, pp. 115, 116, and 117, still in force, or have they been varied; are the Canadian duties on British cotton-woven manufactures from 16⅔ to 23⅓ per cent. ad valorem, on iron and steel manufactures principally 20 per cent., on iron and steel machinery, except mining, 16⅔ per cent., on iron and woollen-woven manufactures from 20 to 23⅓ per cent.; and will he lay upon the Table a Return showing for each of the following colonies and possessions, viz., Australia, New Zealand, Cape Colony, Natal, Canada, West Indies, British Guiana, and India the present rates, or approximate rates, ad valorem of the import duties levied on British cotton manufactures, iron and steel manufactures, machinery, and woollen manufactures, respectively, as well as the extra duties, if any, levied on similar imports of other than British origin.

MR. J. CHAMBERLAIN

The rates of duty given on goods imported into Canada in Cd. 1299 of 1902, pp. 115–7, are still in force, with the exception that the rates given in the column headed "Rates under the General Tariff" are subject to a surtax of one-third of the duty if the goods are the growth, produce, or manufacture of Germany. The rates of duty on the British textile and iron and steel manufactures are as stated in the Question, but the rates given for cotton-woven manufactures and machinery are for principal articles only. As regards the latter part of the Question the hon. Member will find the information in the Return published in November last, Command 1356.

MR. CHARLES DEVLIN

Have the Canadian Government recently approached His Majesty's Government asking for intervention in regard to the dispute with Germany?

MR. J. CHAMBERLAIN

I must ask for notice of that.