HC Deb 24 July 1919 vol 118 cc1529-30
1. Colonel YATE

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what fees are levied by foreign Governments on British commercial travellers and agents in their respective countries; and what fees are levied by the British Government on foreign commercial travellers and agents in the United Kingdom?

Colonel Sir HAMAR GREENWOOD (Department of Oversea Trade)

A Memorandum (Cd. 7031) was issued in 1914 by the Board of Trade summarising the regulations then in force in all countries abroad affecting British commercial travellers and the clearance of their samples, and changes which have since been made in the regulations have been notified in the "Board of Trade Journal" as reported. A list of references to changes which have been so notified can be obtained on application to the Department of Overseas Trade (Development and Intelligence), and I am furnishing the hon. and gallant Member with a copy of the list and of the 1914 Memorandum. Generally, resident British representatives abroad are subject to the same fees as native traders—i.e., the national fees and the municipal or other fees, which vary according to locality. Particulars are in most cases available at the Department of Oversea Trade. No fees are levied by the British Government on foreign commercial travellers and agents in the United Kingdom, though there are, of course, certain goods for the sale of which a licence is required, for which a charge is made.

Colonel YATE

Will the hon. Gentleman take steps to put commercial agents to this country on the same footing as British commercial agents are in foreign countries?

Sir H. GREENWOOD

If I cannot make an answer in the terms the hon. and gallant Gentleman would like, I can assure him that everything is done to put British commercial travellers in as good as possible a position in every country in the world.

Colonel YATE

How are British commercial travellers on the same footing unless we put a tax on foreign commercial travellers coming into this country; will the hon. Gentleman promise to do that?

Sir H. GREENWOOD

I shall make no such promise to my hon. and gallant Friend.

Sir H. BRITTAIN

May I ask whether a decision is yet reached to create, at least, a register of foreign commercial travellers?

Sir H. GREENWOOD

That matter is still under consideration.

Mr. G. TERRELL

Will the hon. Gentleman issue a statement showing exactly, from 1914 up to date, the position in each country with regard to commercial travellers?

Sir H. GREENWOOD

That is now being done and will be printed as soon as possible?

Colonel YATE

Will the hon. Member give me a copy of it?

Sir H. GREENWOOD

As many copies as my hon. and gallant Friend wishes.

Colonel YATE

Will the hon. Gentleman undertake to put English commercial agents on the same footing?

Sir H. GREENWOOD

I have answered that question.