5. Mr. MALONEasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is aware that the Persian Government has introduced a new Customs tariff, to take effect as from 10th May next; under what tariff British trade with Persia is now being carried on; whether the Persian Government has proposed the immediate substitution of an independent tariff for the present tariff; whether His Majesty's Government have demanded 199 any concessions in return for their acceptance of the independent tariff; and by which other countries the independent tariff has already been accepted?
§ Sir A. CHAMBERLAINThe answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. British trade with Persia is now carried on under a tariff agreed upon in 1920, which is not due for revision until 1930. The Persian Government have, however, approached His Majesty's Government regarding the possible application of their new tariff to British trade, and negotiations are now proceeding on this subject. The new tariff has been accepted by Russia, as part of the general agreement reached between the Persian and Russian Governments last year.