2. Vice-Admiral TAYLORasked the President of the Board of Trade whether any communication has been received from France in reply to the note from the British Government that the tariff on certain British imports into France should be lowered?
25. Lieut.-Colonel. Sir FREDERICK HALLasked the President of the Board of Trade if any replies have yet been received to the communications sent to the Governments of Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Holland and Switzerland suggesting a reduction of 25 per cent. in tariffs on certain classes of British manufactured goods; and if he will state whether a favourable response to the proposal has been given by any of the countries in question?
§ Mr. W. GRAHAMThe communications in question were sent quite recently, and no replies have yet been received.
Vice-Admiral TAYLORIn the meantime, will the right hon. Gentleman consider the advisability of placing a tariff on imports from France, in order that we may have something to bargain with in negotiating with France?
§ Mr. GRAHAMNo, Sir; I am afraid I could not promise that, even if it arose out of the questions on the Paper.
Sir F. HALLWith regard to my question No. 25, does not the right hon. Gentleman think that the Governments referred to have received with a certain amount of hilarity the suggestions which emanated from him?
§ 5 and 6. Mr. RAMSBOTHAMasked the President of the Board of Trade (1) whether he will make a statement as to the request of His Majesty's Government to the German Government to make a reduction in the German customs duty on certain British manufactured goods; and what compensation, if any, has been offered to the German Government in return for such a reduction;
1926 (2) whether he will make a statement as to the request of His Majesty's Government to the French Government to make a reduction in the French customs duty on certain British manufactures; and what inducement, if any, has been offered to the French Government to make such a reduction?
§ Mr. GRAHAMAs regards the first part of each of these questions, I can add nothing to the replies given on Tuesday last to the hon. Member for Moseley (Mr. Hannon), and on Wednesday to the right hon. Gentleman the Member for West Woolwich (Sir K. Wood) and the hon. and gallant Member for Clitheroe (Sir W. Brass). As regards the second part of each question, no offer of compensation has been made to either Government. They have, however, been informed that His Majesty's Government will be prepared to consider such suggestions as they make have to make.
§ Mr. RAMSBOTHAMCan the right hon. Gentleman say whether there is any truth in the report that the compensation offered is a continuance of the present liberal British import system?
§ Mr. GRAHAMI have not heard of any statement to that effect.
§ Mr. HANNONHas the right hon. Gentleman had any indication through diplomatic channels that these proposals are being given serious consideration by the French and German Governments?
§ Mr. GRAHAMI have not the least doubt that they will be seriously considered by those Governments.
§ Mr. HANNONHas the right hon. Gentleman received any information?
§ Mr. GRAHAMThey were only addressed to them a few days ago.