§ 33. Lord H. CAVENDISH-BENTINCKasked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the fact that, the United States tariff, if carried, will practically prohibit the importation of most of the staple manufactured articles of this country, His Majesty's Government will inform the Government of the United States of America that the payment of the interest on our War Debt is impossible unless the American tariff is lowered to such a point as will enable our goods to enter freely into America?
§ Sir R. HORNEAll relevant considerations will he borne in mind by His Majesty's Government in dealing with the subjects referred to in the question.
§ Lord H. CAVENDISH-BENTINCKWill the right hon. Gentleman remember that our industries are threatened by this tariff?
§ Sir R. HORNEOne keeps steadily in mind that the American tariff makes it more difficult for us to pay our debts to America. That is perfectly plain, and I think my Noble Friend will recognise that that is not a consideration one would forget in dealing with the United States.
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYDo not our tariffs make it more difficult for the Germans to pay their debts to us?
§ Sir R. HORNEThe remark of my hon. Friend would be apposite if we had anything like the American tariff in existence in this country.
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYSixty-nine per cent.