HC Deb 19 April 1932 vol 264 cc1392-4
32. Mr. LYONS

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether he will issue a schedule of goods of foreign origin which have come into this country via Canada on preferential terms for the quarter ended 31st March, or the nearest convenient date; and whether the entry of such goods after a certain percentage of Canadian labour has been expended thereupon will be on the agenda for revision at the forthcoming Ottawa Conference?

The SECRETARY of STATE for the DOMINIONS (Mr. J. H. Thomas)

As regards the first part of the question, goods may be admitted to preference on importation into this country only on satisfactory proof being given that they have been consigned to this country from a part of the British Empire and (with certain exceptions) that at least 25 per cent. of the value is derived from materials grown or produced or from work done in a part of the British Empire. If, as I assume, the hon. Member means by goods of foreign origin goods manufactured in Canada from foreign material, I regret it would not be possible to give the particulars required. As regards the second part of the question, I would refer the hon. Member to the reply which I gave to the hon. and gallant Member for Keighley (Captain Watt) on 1st March.

Mr. HANNON

Has not the attention of my right hon. Friend been called to continuous abuses of this concession through semi-manufactured articles from foreign countries being introduced into the Dominions and sent on to this country? In view of the unfair competition of those goods with the products of this country, will he bring the matter before the Ottawa Conference?

Mr. THOMAS

I am delighted to observe that the hon. Member is alive to the difficulties which confront us. I will certainly keep the point in mind.

36. Captain P. MACDONALD

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether any appointments for business advisers to the British delegation to the Ottawa Conference have yet been made; and what bodies have been invited to put forward the names of such advisers?

Mr. THOMAS

I am in communication with the British Committee on Empire Trade and with the Trades Union Congress on this subject, but no appointments have yet been made.

Captain MACDONALD

Will the right hon. Gentleman say what bodies he is consulting?

Mr. THOMAS

The British Committee on Empire Trade and the Trades Union Congress. Those are the two bodies that represent the industrial side—capital and labour.

37. Mr. LAMBERT

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs if agriculture is to be represented at Ottawa by other than Government nominees in a similar manner as industry will be represented there?

Mr. THOMAS

Yes, Sir. The position was explained yesterday by my right hon. Friend the Minister of Agriculture.

Mr. LAMBERT

Can the right hon. Gentleman say by whom the representatives will be nominated?

Mr. THOMAS

In the main the suggestions with regard to appointments will come from the different interests concerned.

Sir P. HARRIS

How many hundreds of representatives will there be altogether?

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