HC Deb 13 March 1928 vol 214 cc1689-90
3. Mr. HANNON

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that, owing to the duty on stuffed textile toys having been raised by Germany from 20 marks per 100 kilos to 1,050 marks per 100 kilos, our trade in these articles with that country is being destroyed; that Germany has raised the duty on the plea that such toys are used as mascots and decorations, whereas in reality it is only in stuffed textile toys that we can successfully compete with that country; and whether he will make representations to the German Customs authorities in view of the fact that German goods of similar character have free access to our markets?

Mr. WILLIAMS

I am aware of the change of classification to which my hon. Friend refers, and His Majesty's Embassy at Berlin have already been instructed to take the matter up with the German Government.

Mr. HANNON

Is not this a good example of the great advantage to this country of having bargaining power when dealing with other countries?