§ 9 and 10. Mr. WOMERSLEYasked the President of the Board of Trade (1) if he will make further representations to the Portuguese Government to allow stocks of British-made fishing nets, which were lying in bond before the withdrawal of the duty concessions, to be disposed of without payment of the duty now changeable on nets exported to that country;
(2) what duty is now charged by the Portuguese Government on fishing nets manufactured in Great Britain?
§ Mr. W. GRAHAMThe Customs duty at present levied in Portugal on fishing nets of United Kingdom origin is 20 centavos gold per kilogramme, or about 5d. per lb. As the hon. Member is aware representations have already been addressed to the Portuguese Government on the lines he indicates but have met with a refusal. I fear that no useful purpose would be served by taking up the matter again.
§ Mr. WOMERSLEYDoes the right hon. Gentleman regard the reply of the Portuguese Government as an answer to his appeal for a tariff truce?
§ Mr. GRAHAMLike many other Governments, they are entitled to have their views on that question, but I can. tell my hon. Friend that we made very full representations, and, of course, the proposals having been countered, we cannot do more.
§ Mr. HANNONIs it not time that the Government of this country spoke in plain terms to the Portuguese Government, and that these pin-prickings should cease, as the Portuguese people exist upon trade with this country, and yet are always making difficulties?
§ Mr. WOMERSLEYIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the withdrawal of the concession to Great Britain followed immediately after his suggestion of the tariff truce?
§ Mr. GRAHAMNo, I must ask the House not to accept that view. Many of these proposals have been under consideration for a long time, and they are not necessarily related to any effort to reduce tariffs.