§ 14. Mr. HANNONasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that. the tariff on British-made steel pens imported into the United States of America has recently increased by 50 per cent., and the duty now amounts to 12 cents per box: and whether, seeing that this duty in effect closes to British pen-makers a large former market, he will consider the imposition of a reciprocal tariff on American pens which are at present imported into this country duty-free?
§ Sir P. LLOYD-GREAMEThe answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. As regards the second part, a differential duty on American pens would be a breach of the Convention of Commerce of 1815 beween this country and the United States of America.
§ Mr. HANNONCan the right hon. Gentleman suggest any way by which the pen-makers of this country can be protected against this unfair competition?
§ Sir P. LLOYD-GREAMEI do not think that by question and answer I can discuss the whole tariff question.