§ 44. Mr. HURDasked the President of the Board of Trade if his Department has considered the effect of the new Budget proposals of the Irish Free State upon trade with Great Britain and other parts of the Empire; and whether it is proposed to take any steps in the matter?
§ Mr. DOUGLAS HACKING (Secretary, Overseas Trade Department)I understand that only two of these proposals materially affect the trade of Great Britain with the Irish Free State. Of these, the first imposes Customs duties equal to those in force in this country on motor tyres and commercial motor vehicles, preference to the extent of one-third of the duties being accorded to this country; the second increases the Customs and Excise duties on sugar by ¼d per pound, with corresponding increases on molasses, glucose, saccharin and certain descriptions of sugared goods. A summary of the changes involved in the Budget proposals, all of which took effect under the Dail resolution as from 26th April, is being published in to-morrow's issue of the "Board of Trade Journal." The answer to the last part of the question is in the negative.
§ Mr. HURDHas my hon. Friend observed how closely the Irish Free State follows this House in legislation affecting these matters?