§ 24. Captain NORTHasked the President of the Board of Trade what principal British exports are still affected by the surtax of 15 per cent. imposed by the French Government; and whether he is continuing negotiations with the French Ministry of Commerce with a view to obtaining further exemptions from this tax, such as that recently obtained for British coal?
§ The PRESIDENT of the BOARD of TRADE (Mr. Runciman)Among the United Kingdom goods of which the ex- 937 ports to France are substantial and which are still subject to the surtax are the following:—Machinery, iron and steel and manufactures thereof, woollen and worsted piece goods, motor vehicles and parts, cotton yarns and piece goods, fish, leather and leather goods and electrical goods and apparatus. I understand that 60 per cent. or more of our trade with France is now free from surtax. We have made it dear that our objection to the surtax is one of principle. The question of its definite removal is one which will have to be included in any future negotiations with the French Government.