§ 58. Mr. KILEYasked the President of the Board of Trade whether a commercial treaty exists between this country and Holland, the terms of which would prevent the making of an Order under Tart II of the Safeguarding of Industries Act imposing upon imported Dutch goods a duty greater than any duty charged by the Dutch Customs authorities on similar goods imported into Holland from Great Britain?
§ Mr. BALDWINNo, Sir! Article I of the Treaty of 1837 between this country.and the Netherlands prohibits the imposition on Dutch goods imported into this country of duties higher than those levied on similar goods imported from any other foreign country. This Clause would prevent the imposition, under the Safeguarding of Industries Act, of a duty on Dutch goods on the grounds of depreciation of Dutch currency in relation to sterling; but I would remind the hon. Member that Dutch currency is not so depreciated.
§ Mr. KILEYDid the right hon. Gentleman not appoint a Committee to inquire into the importation of bottles from Holland, and, if so, what was the object, if such articles cannot be imported?