§ MR. MITCHELL-THOMSON (Lanarkshire, N.W.)I beg to ask the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether His Majesty's Government have obtained any official assurance from the United States Government that any modifications of the Dingley tariff in favour of Germany will, under the most favoured-nation clause, be extended to Great Britain.
I beg also to ask the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether representations have been made to the United. States Government with the view of securing to British Chambers of Commerce the same powers for the valuation of exports to the United States as have-been granted to German Chambers of Commerce; and what is the result o such representations.
§ SIR EDWARD GREYI have received an official assurance from the United States Government in the following terms: —"The administrative provisions set forth in the commercial agreement between Germany and the United States are intended to be applicable to all countries. The provisions which relate to the accrediting of special agents, their co-operation with Chambers 1225 of Commerce and the acceptance of certificates of Chambers of Commerce as to value as competent evidence in terms relate specifically to Germany. The Government of the United States does not, however, wish to make them a basis of discrimination against any other country, and is quite ready to make them applicable to Great Britain, so far as the conditions in that country permit, if the Government of Great Britain so desires." As the hon. Member for Mid. Armagh was informed yesterday, I am in communication with the Board of Trade as to making arrangements to fulfil the conditions required.