§ Mr. WILLIAM THORNEasked the President of the Board of Trade if his attention has been called to the increased duties placed upon black plates and galvanised sheets by the Swedish Government; if he is prepared to negotiate with the Swedish Government with the view of getting the increased duties abolished and for the black plates and galvanised sheets to be imported free of duty in the same manner as tin plates are at present; and if he will state what are the increased duties placed upon black plates and galvanised sheets?
Mr. BUXTONMy attention has been called to the increases in duty proposed. The views of Chambers of Commerce and of several important industrial associations on the probable effect of the proposed new Swedish tariff have been invited, and the replies received are now under consideration with a view to a decision being arrived at as to the nature of any communications which it may be thought to be desirable to make to the Swedish Government on the subject. The proposed tariff rates on black plates and galvanised sheets are too long to quote, but I will have a statement setting out the rates printed in the Votes.