HC Deb 30 November 1914 vol 68 cc730-2

Order for Second Reading read.

Motion made, and Question proposed, "That the Bill be now read a second time."

Sir F. BANBURY

May we have an explanation of this measure?

Mr. J. M. ROBERTSON

The House is aware that, as regards trade with Portugal, British trade has been at a disadvantage in respect that we had not, in Portugal, most-favoured-nation treatment. The reason for that has been dissatisfaction in Portugal with regard to our treatment of port wine. The dissatisfaction was on two grounds. One was that we taxed port wine, on our principle of taxing alcoholic spirits, more highly than we did French wines.

Sir F. BANBURY

I do not want to take up time with a long discussion of the particular Customs Clauses, but what has this to do with the War? Is it a Bill which is brought in on account of the War, or is it an ordinary Bill which would have been brought in whether there was war or not?

Mr. ROBERTSON

It is brought in for the fulfilment of the Treaty of Commerce, the ratification of which is highly desirable; and, further, we consider that anything that easily and simply promotes British trade at this juncture is a useful measure in connection with the War. We are taking every measure in our power to extend British trade, and this very simple measure, which will permit of the ratification of the Portuguese Treaty, will at once put British trade in Portugal up on a level with that of other countries.

Sir F. BANBURY

It is going rather far, but I will take the hon. Gentleman's word.

Mr. WATT

It is, and has been the case for many years, the case that motor-car manufacturers have been unable to get their cars into Portugal on equal terms with French manufacturers. Is this difficulty solved by this treaty?

Mr. ROBERTSON

That is precisely one of the great advantages. The matter of motor cars is one in which our traders particularly suffer. British motor cars have to pay a higher rate on going into Portugal than those of other countries. When the Bill is passed and the treaty ratified that disability will be removed and our cars will be on an equality with others.

Mr. BOOTH

I wish to ask a question with reference to the definition of port wine. As I understand, if this Bill passes, it will be impossible to say that Spanish port is port.

Mr. ROBERTSON

was understood to indicate assent.

Mr. BOOTH

The representative of the Government responsible for the Bill thinks my interpretation correct.

Mr. J. O'CONNOR

If the hon. Member's interpretation were not adopted, the Bill would clash with a law passed four years ago in Portugal whereby port wine was defined. Xo law passed here will affect that law.

Mr. BOOTH

The point is that whilst this may be made a matter of arrangement between ourselves and our ancient ally, Portugal, I mention it now lest it should lead to trouble between ourselves and the neighbouring nation of Spain. We know the relations between this country and the Royal family of Spain. Spanish port is sold in this country, and I should like to submit to the Government that some term will have to be used which will make it impossible in future to sell anything but Portuguese port as port. I only mention it now in order that the House may have some assurance that all is right between ourselves and Spain.

Mr. J. O'CONNOR

I hope the hon. Gentleman appreciates port when he gets it, whether it comes from Portugal or Spain. It has already been decided by the Courts of Law that Spanish port cannot be sold in this country as port without incurring a penalty under the Merchandise Marks Act. A large trader, whose name I need not mention, and for whom I acted in Court at the time, was severely punished by fine for attempting in a small way to palm off Spanish port as port that came from Portugal. It is an offence under the Merchandise Marks Act to label anything as port except (1) the product of grapes grown in the Valley of the Douro; (2) fortified by brandy, the product of grapes grown in the Valley of the Douro; and (3) exported through the port of Oporto. If an attempt is made to palm off on the British public anything that does not comply with these conditions you bring yourself under the penalties of that Act.

Mr. ROBERTSON

We have no apprehension that Spain will take any special offence at the provisions of this measure. As I already explained, it is for the ratification of a commercial treaty, and at present it is undoubtedly of importance to promote British trade with neutral countries. Any measure that will promote British trade should be carefully considered.

Question put, and agreed to.

Bill read a second time, and committed to a Committee of the Whole House for Monday next.—[Mr. Webb.]