HC Deb 10 May 1905 vol 145 cc1477-8
COLONEL SADLER (Middlesbrough)

I beg to ask the Secretary to the Board of Trade whether his attention has been drawn to the new revised German tariff, † See page 818. and particularly to the complete change in the classification of iron and iron alloys and wares, which increases the duties on manufactured articles according to the amount of labour expended on them; and, if so, whether, in view of its effect on the British iron and steel industry, he will say what action he proposes to take.

THE PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY TO THE BOARD OF TRADE (Mr. BONAR LAW,) Glasgow, Blackfriars

Representations with regard to the effect on British trade of the new German tariff, including the duties on iron and steel manufactures thereof, have already been addressed to the German Government on the lines of the Report of the Commercial Intelligence Committee (Appendix D. to Cd. 2044 of 1904). I fear that no useful purpose would be served by further representations at the present stage.