§ MR. OWEN PHILIPPS (Pembroke and Haverfordwest)To ask the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether his attention has been drawn to the fact that petrol produced in Burmah in which British companies are concerned, both in the production 2089 and transport, has to pay a prohibitive duty when imported into France, whilst petrol produced in the United States, Roumania, and Russia is admitted to France at a much lower duty; and whether he will communicate with the French Government on the subject, with a view to secure to Burmah the most-favoured-nation treatment.
(Answered by Secretary Sir Edward Grey.) Yes, Sir; and His Majesty's Government have already communicated with the French Government on the subject.
§ (Answered by Mr. Buchanan.) The matter has already formed the subject of communications between His Majesty's Government and the French Government. It has been ascertained that the latter are unwilling to admit Indian petrol to the minimum tariff except on the condition that some concession is made in the Indian import tariff to French imports. The Indian Government have not seen their way to meet this suggestion, as imports from France into India already enjoy most-favourednation treatment.