7. Mr. DUNDAS WHITEasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether Mr. G. T. Milne, who is styled His Majesty's Trade Commissioner in Australia, with an office in Flinders Street, Melbourne, Victoria, holds that appointment under the Colonial Office; whether he has been making applications to the Inter-State Commission for increased tariffs on certain imported goods; and, if so, whether he will lay Papers?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANMy right hon. Friend has asked me to reply to this question. Mr. Milne, His Majesty's Trade Commissioner for Australia, holds that 946 post under the Board of Trade. No applications have been made to the Inter-State Commission by Mr. Milne, whose action has been confined, in accordance with his instructions, to assisting, by information and advice, British importers desirous of applying to the Commission for modifications of the present Australian tariff.
§ Mr. RUNCIMANYes, so I understand. It is not likely to benefit importers unless it is so.
§ Mr. OUTHWAITEIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the Commissioner has been asking for an increase of duties on foreign imports for the benefit of British manufacturers, including a duty upon an article of food?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANMr. Milne is under the Board of Trade. The Commission was, I believe, appointed by the Commonwealth Government. Any question with regard to that had better be addressed to my right hon. Friend the Colonial Secretary.