HC Deb 13 August 1913 vol 56 cc2483-4
14. Mr. HUNT

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he can say what are the foreign countries which do not give us the full benefit of the MostFavoured-Nation Clause?

The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the BOARD of TRADE (Mr. J. M. Robertson)

Apart from the special Customs treatment sometimes accorded to products of adjacent countries and the preferential arrangements in force between the United States and Cuba, all foreign countries give United Kingdom products complete most-favoured-nation treatment except Portugal, Brazil and Haiti, each of which gives special reductions of duty on a limited number of articles to certain countries, not including the United Kingdom.

Mr. HUNT

Do not foreign Governments get out of allowing us the Most-Favoured-Nation Clause by various devices? Does not Russia put a heavier duty on seaborne coal than on that imported by land, and do not other nations get out of it by the minute subdivision of industries?

Mr. ROBERTSON

If the hon. Member has any information we shall be glad to have it.

Mr. HEWINS

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that that is the opinion expressed by the Foreign Secretary?

Mr. ROBERTSON

I am not aware.

Back to