HC Deb 22 February 1904 vol 130 cc561-3
MR. LOUGH

I beg to ask the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, in view of the fact that the British representatives, at a meeting of the Commission appointed under the Brussels Sugar Convention held during the Parliamentary recess on behalf of the exporters of confectionery and preserves in this country, brought forward the claim that the limitations of the surtax should apply to their manufactures, he will state what decision was arrived at; and whether any Report of the Proceedings will be laid on the Table of the House.

* EARL PERCY

At the meeting of the Commission in October last the majority of the Commissioners were of opinion that the limitation of surtax under Article 3 of the Convention applied only to sugar itself, whether raw or refined, and not to sugared products. As, however, the general bearing of the Convention upon the treatment of such products remains in doubt, His Majesty's Government are of opinion that the course most conducive to the public interest will be to defer the laying of any further Papers on the subject until after the termination of the next session of the Commission, which will open on the 10th of March next.

MR. LOUGH

Are we not entitled, under the terms of the Convention, to have a Report of the Proceedings? Will the Government let us know what was the nature of the decision, and give us some account, at least, of the arguments?

* EARL PERCY

I do not know what the hon. Member means by "nature of the decision."

MR. LOUGH

By what majority was it come to?

* EARL PERCY

I have said the Government think it would not be in the public interest to lay any further Papers at present.

MR. GIBSON BOWLES (Lynn Regis)

Is there not a right of appeal in certain cases, and will the Government consider the propriety of calling a Conference for that purpose?

* EARL PERCY

The whole question is under negotiation, and the question of appeal has not arisen.

MR. GIBSON BOWLES

But will it be considered?

[No answer was returned.]

MR. LOUGH

I beg to ask the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether any further negotiations have taken place between the Commission set up under the Brussels Sugar Convention and the Russian Government with regard to the treatment of sugar made in Russia, by the signatory Powers, and whether the Government can see its way to cancel the prohibition of the import of sugar from Russia into this country.

* EARL PERCY

The answer to both Questions is in the negative.