§ Mr. NEWMANasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he had recently received a deputation, representing all branches of textile industry, to protest against the new tariff as sanctioned by the French Government; whether at such deputation a statement was made that as regards cotton goods the new duties imposed constituted in effect a protectionist measure to prevent the importation of goods which France had commenced to manufacture for herself, and that the imposition of such duties would be inimical to the continuation of the friendly relations between the two countries; whether a subsequent announcement was made by the French Government, postponing the alteration in tariff as affecting England alone to midnight on 31st December; whether the continuance of our friendly understanding with France was to be made 1907 dependent on special tariff concessions being granted to this country; and whether as a result of any negotiations the hands of this country would be tied with regard to any import duties which she might in the future determine to levy on French goods without giving Parliament an opportunity of discussing such negotiation?
Mr. ROBERTSONNo, Sir; no deputation has recently been received with regard to the French tariff. A deputation representing a number of important chambers of commerce was, however, recently received with regard to the new tare regulations of the French Customs authorities, and their effect upon certain classes of British goods (especially textiles) imported into France. Prior to the deputation, the operation of the new regulations (which do not affect the United Kingdom alone) had been postponed to 1st January, 1912. Communications on the subject are proceeding with the French Government, and in the meantime the operation of the regulations has been further postponed for two or three months. The last part of the question does not arise.
§ Mr. NEWMANMay I take it that the precedent in the case of Japan will not be followed in the case of France?
§ Mr. NEWMANWill our hands be tied in the negotiations as they were in the case of Japan?