§ MR. RUNCIMAN (Dewsbury)To ask the First Lord of the Treasury whether his attention has been called to the announcement made by the Australian Commonwealth Government that from 19th August next all magazines and periodicals containing more than 15 per cent, of advertising matter will be liable to an import duty of 3d. per lb.; whether he is aware that the effect of this duty will be to exclude from a British Colony a number of British magazines and periodicals; and what steps he proposes to take in the matter.
(Answered by Mr. Secretary Lyttelton.) I have not yet seen the notification of the 781 Australian Government to which the hon. Member refers, but I will inquire whether such a notification has been issued and will draw the attention of the Commonwealth Government to the probable effect of the proposal to which the hon. Member refers. The matter, however, must be left to the discretion of that Government to take what action they think fit.