HC Deb 16 February 1932 vol 261 c1440
16. Mr. COCKS

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is now in a position to make any announcement as to the result of the conversations with the French Government on the subject of the 15 per cent. surtax on British coal imported into France; and, if not, when he expects to be able to make such an announcement?

33. Mr. MOLSON

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether any conclusion has yet been reached in negotiations between his Department and the French Ministry of Commerce with regard to the 15 per cent. surtax imposed by France on British coal imported into that country?

Mr. RUNCIMAN

I am happy to be able to inform the House that the French Government have notified His Majesty's Government of their decision to exempt coal from the operation of the 15 per cent. surtax; the question of the application of this surtax to other goods remains aver, for further discussion.

Mr. HANNON

May I ask the Minister whether in point of fact this is the first manifestation of the prospect of an all-round reduction in tariffs?

Major NATHAN

Will the Minister give us an assurance that, for the purpose of this remission, we are not giving anything away in respect of reparations?

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