HC Deb 12 November 1929 vol 231 c1707
30. Sir N. GRATTAN-DOYLE

asked the President of the Board of Trade in respect of each Dominion giving preferential treatment to imports of British manufactures, what is the minimum percentage of British labour and material required in the product for its entry under the preferential Empire tariff?

Mr. W. GRAHAM

In the Union of South Africa and the Irish Free State the minimum percentage is 25 per cent.; in Canada and New Zealand, 50 per cent.; and in Australia, 75 per cent., unless the goods are of a kind not commercially manufactured in Australia, in which event 25 per cent. only is necessary. I ought to add that, both in New Zealand and Australia, United Kingdom manufactures are entitled to preference with out any regard to percentage qualifications, if the only foreign element consists of materials of kinds specified in certain published lists.

Mr. W. THORNE

Have the right hon. Gentleman's efforts to persuade other countries to reduce their tariffs met with any success?

32. Captain PETER MACDONALD

asked the President of the Board of Trade what percentage of Canadian labour and material in motor cars exported from Canada to this country is required in order to obtain entry under Empire preferential duty?

Mr. GRAHAM

Motor cars consigned from Canada to this country are entitled to the preferential rate of duty if at least 25 per cent. of their total value is the result of labour within the British Empire. In calculating this proportion there may be included under the head of labour the cost to the manufacturer of any materials of purely Empire origin.