HC Deb 16 November 1926 vol 199 c1683
52. Lieut.-Colonel HENEAGE

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the general percentage of Russian import tariffs compared with British import duties?

Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTER

I know of no practicable method of making a satisfactory comparison of the general levels of the Customs tariffs of Russia and this country.

Lieut.-Colonel HENEAGE

Is it to be understood that the tariff walls of Russia are so high that the top cannot be seen?

Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTER

No. They are in some cases very high, but I think it is impossible to make a comparison between a country which has the whole of its foreign trade in its own hands and therefore can exclude trade, quite irrespective of a tariff, with a country which has a very small tariff and where trade is completely free.