§ MR. REESI beg to ask the President of the Board of Trade whether the French Government proposes to increase the import duties upon tinplates from the United Kingdom.
§ MR. CHURCHILLSo far as I am aware the French Government have made no proposal for increasing the duty on tinplates. His Majesty's Embassy at Paris have been instructed to procure such information as may be available respecting the suggestions for tariff alterations which have been laid before the French Parliamentary Customs Commission for consideration. I believe that the French Parliamentary session will close to-day, so that there is no probability of an early change in the duty.
§ MR. JAMES HOPEAssuming that the French Government make up their minds to increase these duties, can the right hon. Gentleman suggest any means of persuading them otherwise?
§ MR. CHURCHILLI see no reason to assume such a hypothetical position, but it will be sufficient to deal with the evil when it arises.