§ 1. Mr. HERBERT WILLIAMSasked the President of the Board of Trade if he is in a position to make a statement as to the negotiations in respect of the new French tariff?
§ The PRESIDENT of the BOARD of TRADE (Sir Philip Cunliffe-Lister)Information as to the effect of the French tariff proposals on important branches of British trade, based on particulars collected from chambers of commerce, trade associations and individual firms in this country, has been communicated to the French Government and has formed the subject of conversations in Paris. I cannot say at present how far the French Government may find it possible to meet our wishes in the matter, but I am led to believe that the tariff, when ultimately enacted, is likely to prove less onerous in many directions than that originally proposed in the Bill.
§ Mr. WILLIAMSHas the Geneva Conference had any influence on the French Government?
§ Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTERI hope it may. It will be apparent to everyone that the specific resolution against. tarifs de combat is exactly to the point.
§ Mr. KIRKWOODIs it not the case that it is because the French recognise 816 the circumstances that are taking place here in reducing the standard of life of the people that they are using this to safeguard the interests of the working-class in France?
§ Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTERNo, I think there is no ground either for that suggestion or for the deduction that is drawn from it.
§ Mr. A. V. ALEXANDERDo the negotiations which have been undertaken include the proposals of the French Government with regard to coal?
§ Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTERThere are separate negotiations in regard to coal.
§ 5. Mr. TAYLORasked the President of the Board of Trade if he can make any statement on the progress of the proposed new French tariff; and whether any modifications have been made in the rates of duty on oil engines?
§ Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTERThe French Tariff Bill has been considered by the Customs Commission of the Chamber of Deputies, and a summary of their recommendations so far as the rates of duty are concerned will be found in the Board of Trade Journal for 19th May. These recommendations did not include any proposals with regard to oil engines. The Bill has, however, still to be dealt with by the Chamber, and I understand that there is some doubt whether its consideration will be completed before the Summer Recess.
§ Mr. TAYLORHas the right hon. Gentleman made any representations with regard to the provisions of this tariff officially?
§ Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTERI have already answered a question stating exactly what representations have been made, and those representations cover the particular items to which the hon. Member refers.