§ 14. Mr. A. V. ALEXANDERasked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been called to the new Australian tariff on iron and steel, in particular to the increased duties against British exports of such items as bar iron, iron and steel tubes (January, 1929), and rails; and whether he has made any representations to the Commonwealth Government on the matter?
§ Captain HACKINGThe answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. I am, however, still awaiting full details of these increases and of the other proposals of the Commonwealth Government which, I understand, include proposals for increased preference for certain classes of British goods. On receipt of this fuller information the question whether any representations to the Commonwealth Government can usefully be made will be considered.
§ Mr. ALEXANDERDo I understand, in view of the large grants which this country is making for Empire trade, that these prohibitive duties will be definitely inquired into?
§ Captain HACKINGIf necessary, representations will be made. I cannot say more until I have received full particulars.
Commander WILLIAMSMay I ask if the Australian Government do not already give us a preference which is valued at £20,000,000?
§ Captain HACKINGI have already said in my answer that we receive a preference, and shall continue to receive a preference.
§ Sir BASIL PETOIs it not rather difficult to make representations to the Government of Australia in view of the small value of the preference which we give to them and the immense value of the preference which they give to us?
§ Mr. SPEAKERThat is a matter for debate.