HC Deb 08 December 1932 vol 272 cc1782-3
47. Mr. MANDER

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether any alteration has recently taken place in the list of 440 items of foreign goods on which duties were raised by the Australian Government as a result of the Ottawa Agreement and also in the case of the 20 items of British goods on which duties were reduced?

Lieut.-Colonel J. COLVILLE (Secretary, Overseas Trade Department)

So far as I am aware there has been no subsequent change in the duties which the Commonwealth Government put into operation in order to give effect to their immediate undertakings in the trade agreement.

Mr. MANDER

Does the hon. Member think that this arrangement is a useful preliminary to the World Economic Conference?

Lieut.-Colonel COLVILLE

I think that it is a very useful concession to United Kingdom goods.

Mr. HANNON

Is it not a fact that this arrangement has enabled more of our goods to get into Australia?

Lieut.-Colonel COLVILLE

That is so.

55. Mr. MANDER

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether there is any prospect, as a result of the Ottawa Agreements, of negotiations with the Australian Government with a view to the reduction of the present prohibitive duties on Wednesfield rabbit traps imported into Australia?

The SECRETARY of STATE for DOMINION AFFAIRS (Mr. J. H. Thomas)

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply made to him by my right hon. Friend, the President of the Board of Trade, on the 29th November.

Mr. CHARLES WILLIAMS

Before the right hon. Gentleman takes any active steps in this case, will he assure the House that he will see that these rabbit traps are of a humane character?