§ 7. Mr. TAYLORasked the President of the Board of Trade whether the Report of the Customs Commission of the 961 French Chamber of Deputies on the proposed new tariff contains any modifications of the tariffs originally proposed; and, if so, whether there is any proposed reduction in the duties on oil engines?
§ Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTERThe Report recommends a number of alterations in the duties originally proposed. Full particulars will be published in an early issue of the Board of Trade Journal. The answer to the last part of the question is in the negative.
§ Mr. TAYLORIs the right hon. Gentleman continuing to make representations to the French authorities?
§ Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTERI think I have explained to the House that what I am doing is collecting all the information—not making piecemeal representations, but combining it all.
§ Mr. TAYLORDo I understand that the right hon. Gentleman did not make any representations before the Commission presented its Report?
§ Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTERNo, Sir. It is not very convenient by question and answer to discuss the form that representations take, but we have been in consultation on the matter. The hon. Gentleman must not assume that no representations have been made.
Captain CROOKSHANKWhat bargaining powers has my right hon. Friend against a highly protected country?
§ Colonel GRETTONIs my right hon. Friend bearing in mind the question of speed, in order that representations may be made before the new duties come into force?
§ Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTERCertainly. Immediately the duties were first projected, we invited all the chambers of commerce concerned as rapidly as possible to give us their comments, so that we might proceed with the matter.
§ Colonel GRETTONWill it be possible to make these representations soon?
§ Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTERYes, Sir. I think very shortly.