44. Sir F. HALLasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that Norway, Denmark, and France, among other countries, are importing quantities of fish into this country; and whether the import of British catches into those countries is limited by duties or in any other way?
§ Mr. HORE-BELISHAI assume that my hon. and gallant Friend's question refers to sea fish either fresh or frozen. If so, the answer to the first part is that appreciable quantities of such fish are imported from Norway and Denmark, but very little from France. With regard to the second part, there is no duty or restriction upon the importation of such fish of British catch in either Norway or Denmark. In France, however, customs duties are levied, and there is also a quota system in force since October last which restricts the imports to specified quantities. Particulars of this system of restriction will be found in the issue of the "Board of Trade Journal" for 29th October. The 15 per cent. discriminatory duty on British goods applies to fish as to other goods.
Sir F. HALLWill the Government take into consideration the fact that France has put on a duty against this country, and that all the fish that we require can be secured in this country, and will steps be taken to place on French fish a duty equal to that which they have placed on our fish?
§ Mr. HORE-BELISHAThe balance of trade between France and ourselves, so far as fish is concerned, is considerably in our own favour.