§ Mr. SAMUEL ROBERTSasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he has received a copy of a resolution passed by the Sheffield Chamber of Commerce strenuously protesting against the proposed increase of duties on twist drills by the French Senate, multiplying by three 27 the duties which the Chamber of Deputies have already multiplied by five, making them fifteen times as great as under the present tariff; whether he is aware of these proposals; and what steps he proposes to take in order to avoid injury to British trade?
Mr. BUXTONI have received a communication from the Sheffield Chamber of Commerce on this subject. As regards the remained of the question, I beg to refer the hon. Member to the reply which I gave him on Thursday last.
§ Mr. SAMUEL ROBERTSHas the right hon. Gentleman received any reply from the French Government with regard to the representations which I understand have been made?
§ Mr. H. S. FOSTERIs the right hon. Gentleman prepared to do anything except make an ad misericardiam appeal to the French Government?
Mr. JOSEPH POINTERIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that that in Germany, although they have the weapon of retaliation in their hands the manufacturers have complained just as loudly as the British manufacturers?