§ 52. Mr. HANNONasked the Prime Minister whether his Department is giving its attention to the proposed changes in the Australian tariff; and if representations are being made to the Common wealth Government in order to secure the continuance of preference which has hitherto been given to British exports by the Commonwealth Government?
§ Mr. HACKINGI have been asked to reply. The proposals in question, though involving higher duties on a certain number of United Kingdom goods, do not reduce the amount of the preference accorded to such goods except in the case of certain descriptions of iron and steel. Indeed in many cases increases in the British preference are proposed. I do not think that any official communication to the Commonwealth Government on the subject is called for.
§ Mr. HANNONMay I ask whether it is not very important to consider the interests of iron and steel in relation to our trade and industries?
§ Mr. HACKINGYes, Sir; very important.
§ Mr. HARRISIs it not a fact that these taxes are almost prohibitive of British trade?
§ Mr. HACKINGNo, Sir.