§ 7. Mr. RAPERasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department if he will state when it is anticipated that the new import and export taxes will be fixed by Germany; and whether the Rhineland Commission have plenary powers for confirming or modifying same?
The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the BOARD of TRADE (Mr. Bridge-man)As I explained in reply to a question asked by the hon. Member on February 17th, the existing import duties in Germany must remain in force for at least six months from the date when the Treaty came into force. Some of the duties are, moreover, maintained in operation by the Treaty for 36 months. I am not aware that the German Government have yet taken any steps to fix the duties which will be leviable after the expiration of these periods, nor do I know of any proposal to impose duties on exports. As regards the last part of the question, no new German laws or regulations can come into force in the occupied territory until they have received the approval of the Inter-Allied Rhineland High Commission.
§ 8. Mr. RAPERasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department whether the imposition of the gold tax on goods imported into the occupied territory of Germany as from 1st January of this year was agreed by the Rhineland Commission on behalf of His Majesty's Government, and how many days' notice was given to commercial firms who have been encouraged to open up trade with these districts?
§ Mr. BRIDGEMANThe collection of Customs Duties on a gold basis in the occupied territory as from 1st January was authorised by the Inter-Allied Rhine-land High Commission. No official notice was given; but I believe it had been generally known among traders for some time previously that the system of levying duties on a gold basis already in Operation in unoccupied Germany would probably soon be extended to occupied territory. As regards cases of hardship I am afraid I cannot at present add anything to the reply which I gave to the question which the hon. Member asked on 17th February.
§ Mr. RAPERMay I ask whether or not it is the fact that the United States Government refuse to agree to the same date for the imposition of the gold tax, and whether they have had a longer notice?
§ Mr. BRIDGEMANI am afraid I must ask for notice of that question.