HC Deb 19 April 1932 vol 264 c1382
7. Mr. MABANE

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether there are in existence any treaty provisions intended to prevent the imposition of surtaxes on British goods entering Tunis; and whether the recently imposed 15 per cent. surtax in Tunis is discriminatory?

Mr. RUNCIMAN

United Kingdom goods are entitled to most-favoured-nation treatment in Tunis by an exchange of Notes of 8th March, 1919, between His, Majesty's Government and the French Government. In the opinion of His Majesty's Government the surtax in question is discriminatory.

Mr. MABANE

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider making representations in reference to this discriminatory tax?

Mr. RUNCIMAN

We are already making representations to the French Government on the whole question of the 15 per cent. surtax, and communications are passing on the subject.

8. Mr. MABANE

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether there are in existence any treaty provisions to prevent the imposition of a 15 per cent. surtax on British goods entering Morocco?

Mr. RUNCIMAN

Yes, Sir.