20. Mr. GIDEON MURRAYasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether any further progress has been made in the negotiations with the Government of Venezuela for the removal of the 30 per cent. surtax on British goods upon importation into that country; and whether he will say how the matter stands?
Mr. HARMSWORTHThe Venezuelan Government have recently expressed their readiness to enter into negotiations with His Majesty's Government for the conclusion of a new commercial treaty, and His Majesty's Chargé ďAffaires at Caracas has been instructed to inform them that His Majesty's Government will be prepared to do so provided that the Venezuelan Government will, on their part, agree to abrogate the surtax of 30 per cent. imposed on imports into Venezuela from the West Indies and British Guiana.
§ Captain WEDGWOOD BENNIf this country adopts Imperial Preference, how can we complain of foreigners putting on a surtax?