Mr. LLEWELYN WILLIAMSasked the President of the Board of Trade whether 1382 he is aware that the anti-dumping clause in the Canadian Tariff which came into operation in May, 1908, greatly benefited the Welsh tinplate trade with the Dominion; that the clause has now been absolutely withdrawn since the beginning of this month; that the effect of such withdrawal has been detrimental to the Welsh trade by enabling the American manufacturers to dump their surplus stock in Canada at less than cost price; and whether, under the circumstances, he can see his way to approach the Canadian Government with a view to retaining the clause, which, while not in any way inconsistent with the principles of Free Trade, enabled British manufacturers to compete on fair terms with other manufacturer's in the Canadian markets?
The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the BOARD of TRADE (Mr. H, J. Tennant)I am aware that the operation of the "anti-dumping" clause of the Canadian Tariff Act of 1907 has recently been suspended in regard to tinplates; but I have at present no information as to the reasons for that suspension. I am causing full inquiries to be made, and will communicate the result to my hon. Friend.