§ 65. Mr. CHORLTONasked the President of the Board of Trade if early steps can be taken with reference to the Congo Basin Treaties, with a view to helping the textile trades of this country in any renewal of these treaties?
§ Lieut.-Colonel J. COLVILLE (Secretary, Overseas Trade Department)I regret that at present I am unable to add o the reply I gave to my hon. Friend on 2nd November.
§ Mr. CHORLTONCan my hon. and gallant Friend say what hope there is of any preference being given to our trade in this area?
§ Lieut.-Colonel COLVILLEImportant legal considerations are involved in these 504 ported into this country, together with the rate of ditty at present paid on such imports?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the BOARD of TRADE (Dr. Burgin)As the answer involves a table of figures, I will circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT. With regard to the last part of the question, I would refer any Noble Friend to the particulars of the rates of duty applicable to imported spirits given on pages 170–1 in the Twenty-second Report of the Commissioners of Customs and Excise.
§ Following is the answer:
§ Treaties, and it is the intention of His Majesty's Government to consult the trade interests concerned in this matter.