HC Deb 12 July 1926 vol 198 cc3-4
17. Sir FREDRIC WISE

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he contemplates putting a Customs duty on articles imported or consigned to the forces in Iraq?

Mr. ORMSBY-GORE

A recommendation was made on this subject by the Financial Mission which was presided over by the right hon. Member for Norwich (Mr. Hilton Young), and whose report was published as Command 2438. The matter is under consideration, but no decision has yet been reached.

Captain WEDGWOOD BENN

Is it possible to have a differential tariff in favour of British goods in a mandated territory?

Mr. ORMSBY-GORE

I could not answer that question off-hand. I think it is certainly impossible if it is a "B" mandated territory. Whether that is equally true of an "A" mandated territory I cannot say.

Sir R. HAMILTON

Have our forces in any other part of the world the privilege of free imports?

Mr. ORMSBY-GORE

I should require notice of that question.

Sir F. WISE

When is this decision likely to he taken?

Mr. ORMSBY-GORE

It is bound up with a good many other questions which are the subject of rather voluminous despatches passing between the High Commissioner at Bagdad and my right hon. Friend dealing with the whole financial and revenue situation of that country.