HC Deb 13 July 1927 vol 208 cc2113-5
1. Colonel DAY

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has received any reports from Shanghai that the director of the Surtax Revenue Department has given notice that as from 4th July, by orders of the Nanking Government, he will collect a further 2½ per cent. on all imports classified as luxuries; have any protests been made by the British Consul-General to the Shanghai Commissioner; and with what result?

9. Mr. LOOKER

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether his attention has been drawn to the increase of the existing Customs duties proposed by the Nanking Government; and whether, in view of the treaties between Great Britain and China, he will say what steps he proposes to take in the matter?

The SECRETARY of STATE for FOREIGN AFFAIRS (Sir Austen Chamberlain)

The following is a full list of the taxes which the local authorities at Shanghai, under instructions from Nanking, are enforcing or propose shortly to enforce:

  1. (1) 2½ per cent. surtax on existing Customs import duties on ordinary goods.
  2. (2) 2½ per cent. surtax on existing Customs export duties on all goods (1st July).
  3. (3) 5 per cent. surtax on existing Customs import duties on luxury goods (4th July).
  4. (4) 50 per cent. surtax on existing Customs tonnage dues (11th July).
  5. (5) 50 per cent.ad valorem special rolled tobacco consolidated tax (1st July).
  6. (6) 6 cents per picul (1 dollar 8 cents per ton) irrespective of quality, special tax on all coal imported in Kiangsu (1st July).
  7. (7) 1 dollar 60 cents per 10 gallons special tax on all kerosene oil imported (16th July).
A further order issued on the 28th of June purported to abolish all likin offices in the six provinces of Kwangtung, Kuangsi, Kiangsu, Fukien, Anhui, and Chekiang, and increase import duties on ordinary goods to 12½ per cent., and on luxuries (except those which have special taxes) to 30 per cent., as from the 1st of August next. The situation created by this action of the Nanking Administration is being considered by the Governments concerned in consultation with their representatives in China.

Colonel DAY

Can the right hon. Gentleman answer the last part of the question, as to whether any protests have been made by the British Consul-General?

Sir A. CHAMBERLAIN

I cannot say more than I have said, that the action to be taken is being considered.

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