§ SIR HOWARD VINCENT (Sheffield, Central)I beg to ask the President of the Board of Trade if his attention has been called to a new German tariff which comes into force on March 1st; whether he will state to what extent it increases the duties against British goods, or puts increased difficulties in the way of British traders doing business in Germany; and 345 what action His Majesty's Government proposes to take in the matter.
§ MR. LLOYD-GEORGEThe new German tariff has engaged the earnest attention of the Board of Trade. The extent to which it increases duties on articles imported from the United Kingdom will be seen on reference to the Return Cd. 2414 published by the Board of Trade in 1905. Representations as to the effect likely to be produced on British trade by the increased duties have already been made to the German Government on the advice of the Commercial Intelligence Committee.
§ SIR HOWARD VINCENTAnd what answer has been received from the German Government?
§ MR. LLOYD-GEORGENegotiations are proceeding. I may be able to answer the hon. and gallant Member further later on.
§ SIR HOWARD VINCENTCan we have the Answer before the new Treaty comes in force?
§ MR. LLOYD-GEORGEI must ask for notice.
§ MR. SCHWANN (Manchester, N.)Have these increased duties enhanced the price of German goods?
§ SIR HOWARD VINCENTWhat has that to do with it?
§ [No Answer was returned.]