§ 3. Mr. HARRISasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he has any information as to the proposed further increase in the Customs tariff of Australia; whether he is aware that some of the existing tariffs specially hit British industries such as woollens and worsteds; and whether he proposes to make representations on the matter to the Commonwealth Government directly or through the High Commissioner?
§ Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTERI have no information as to any proposed increases in the present tariff, though I have seen statements in the Press to the effect that applications for higher duties are being addressed to the Tariff Commission. As regards the second part of the question, His Majesty's Government communicated with the Commonwealth Government when the higher duties imposed last July on woollen and worsted goods were first announced.
§ Mr. HARRISWhen proposals for a preferential tariff are discussed with the Commonwealth, are these higher duties also discussed?
§ Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTERThere is always quite frank discussion between the different parts of the Empire and I think the hon. Gentleman should also bear in mind that there are very large preferences accorded to this country.
§ Mr. HARRISIs it not the case that the tariff wall is so high that it is almost 1804 impossible for the British manufacturers to jump over it, and, if the walls are to be made still higher for foreign goods——
§ Mr. SPEAKERThat is argumentative.
§ Brigadier-General Sir HENRY CROFTIs it not the fact that Australia still purchases more than any other country in the world from us?