§ MR. R. DUNCAN (Lanarkshire,. Govan)I beg to ask the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs can he inform the House what is the general nature of the alterations in the Spanish Customs tariff intended to come into force on July 1st, 1906, as affecting the manufacturers of the United Kingdom, and more especially as affecting marine machinery, boilers,. and their adjuncts; and whether there is any reason to hope that these altered conditions may be modified in a direction more favourable to the British producer.
§ THE PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY TO THE BOARD OF TRADE (Mr. KEARLEY, Devonport)The general 191 tendency of the proposed new Spanish Customs tariff is in the direction of increase in the rates of duty, and this applies to the articles mentioned by the hon. Member. It is understood that the tariff is still subject to some revision, but it is impossible at present to say to what extent or in what direction it will be modified. The whole matter is engaging the careful attention of the Commercial Intelligence Committee of the Board of Trade.
§ MR. E. DUNCANwas understood to ask what provision had been made for the cases of contracts entered into early in the year and not completed when the new tariff comes into force.
§ MR. KEARLEYasked for notice.