HC Deb 03 June 1930 vol 239 cc1939-40
23. Mr. HANNON

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will state the nature of the representations which have been made through the British Ambassador at Washington to the Government of the United States during the process of the tariff debate at Washington, with the object of safeguarding, so far as possible, the interest of British exporters of manufactured goods to that country in view of the proposed increase of import duties?

Mr. W. GRAHAM

No formal representations have been made by His Majesty's Government to the Government of the United States, but as I have previously explained to the House certain memoranda respecting the trade in specific commodities which had been submitted by trade associations or firms in this country were communicated by Majesty's Embassy at Washington to the United States authorities.

Mr. HANNON

Will the right hon. Gentleman indicate to the House what is the procedure on the part of the Board of Trade when a foreign country takes steps to raise its tariff against goods from this country? Is there not some means of making representations?

Mr. GRAHAM

I have indicated that in this case the representation on which information is gained has been communicated to His Majesty's Ambassador at Washington, and put before the appropriate committees or sections of the legislative committees of the United States Government.