EARL OF RONALDSHAY (Middlesex, Hornsey)I beg to ask the President of the Board of Trade whether the proposed alterations in the French tariff include proposals for the decrease of the duty upon india-rubber thread, and for the increase of the duty upon articles manufactured from india-rubber thread, such as elastic cloth, garters, suspenders, etc.; and, if so, to what extent.
§ THE PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY TO THE BOARD OF TRADE (Sir H. KEARLEY,) DevonportThe Board of Trade are endeavouring to obtain more precise information as to the nature of the proposals to which the noble Lord refers. I am at present unable to give a definite Answer.
EARL OF RONALDSHAYDo the Government propose to take any steps to obviate the injury which will be inflicted on British manufacturers by this change if it is carried into effect?
§ [No Answer was returned.]