§ 11. Mr. PERKINSasked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether any understanding was arrived at between the British and Australian Governments over the question of sheep-shearing machinery at the Ottawa Conference?
§ 12. Mr. PERKINSasked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether he has yet received any information from the Australian Government as a result of his representations over the State manufacture of sheep-shearing machinery; whether he will state the amount of duty now imposed on imports from Britain of this machinery; and whether it has been increased or otherwise during the last 12 months?
Mr. THOMASI understand that combs, cutters and duplicates for sheep-shearing machinery are at present being manufactured at the Government Small 891 Arms Factory at Lithgow, which at present supplies about one-fifth of the local demand. As regards the second and third parts of this question, hand-pieces under the British preferential tariff are admitted free of Customs duty. The duty under the British preferential tariff on most other parts of the machinery was reduced on the 2nd September from 55 per cent. ad valorem to 45 per cent. ad valorem, where it now stands.
§ 13. Mr. PERKINSasked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether he will inquire of the Australian Commonwealth Government as to their intentions regarding the establishment of Governmental control of the wool trade, in order to assist the manufacturers of this country to prepare their plans for trade in wool with the Dominions?
Mr. THOMASThis matter is, I understand, under consideration by the Commonwealth Government in consultation with the interests concerned. His Majesty's Senior Trade Commissioner in Australia is being asked to report any developments that may arise.
§ Mr. PERKINSDoes my right hon. Friend not consider that this comparatively recent action by the Australian Government is in direct opposition to the whole spirit of the Ottawa Agreement?
Mr. THOMASI have already stated that the Senior Trade Commissioner is being instructed to report any developments and pending his report I have nothing to add.