§ 41. Mr. LAWSON (for Mr. THORNE)asked the President of the Board of Trade the increased percentage of duties on British goods imported into France during the four weeks ending 21st November, 1931?
§ Major COLVILLEBy a decree published on 14th November an additional duty of 15 per cent. ad valorem was imposed on all United Kingdom goods, with certain exceptions, particulars of which were published in the "Board of Trade Journal" for 19th November. The only other increases in French customs duties during the period in question were those on rubber goods imposed by a decree published on 10th November. Details will be found in the same number of the "Board of Trade Journal."
§ 55. Mr. LAWSON (for Mr. THORNE)asked the President of the Board of Trade from what date the 15 per cent. surtax imposed on British coal imported into France came into operation?
§ Major COLVILLEThe decree was promulgated on 14th November and the surtax came into force in Paris on the 16th November and elsewhere in France on the 17th. There is, however, a pro- vision in the decree exempting from the surtax goods proved to have been shipped direct to France before the promulgation of the decree.
§ Mr. LAWSONCan the hon. and gallant Gentleman say whether the Government are taking any steps in regard to the matter? Have any negotiations taken place?
§ Major COLVILLE,Yes. I may say that representation has been made to the French Government in this matter, and I would also remind the House that we are not without power for dealing with a situation of this kind.
§ Sir ASSHETON POWNALLCan my hon. and gallant Friend say whether, when the Polish exchange went down, there was any surtax placed by the French authorities upon Polish coal?