§ 15. Mr. HANNONasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is in a position to make a statement on the amplification by Germany of the existing tariff; to what extent the trade of Great Britain and countries within the British Empire is affected by these new duties; and if any representations are being made on this subject to the German Government?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANI understand that the German Government intend to introduce a maximum Customs tariff which may be applied to the goods of countries which have no commercial treaty with Germany or which discriminate against German goods, but so far as I know no such tariff has yet been brought into actual operation. According to my information the only parts of the Empire which could be affected by such a tariff are Canada and Australia. No question of representations on the part of His Majesty s Government in the United Kingdom therefore arises.
§ Mr. HANNONWill the Board of Trade watch any contemplated action by the German Government that might affect the interests of Australia or Canada?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANI think the Dominions are quite capable of looking after their own interests.