HC Deb 07 February 1933 vol 274 cc8-9
9. Mr. MABANE

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether he has now received any intimation as to the appointment of the Canadian Tariff Board?

10. Mr. GRAHAM WHITE

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs if the Canadian Tariff Board has now been set up; and if British traders have the right of direct access to it?

The SEC R ETA RY of STATE for DOMINION AFFAIRS (Mr. J. H. Thomas)

The constitution of the Tariff Board was announced by His Majesty's Government in Canada last night. The names of the members are as follow:

The Honourable George Herbert Sedgwick, Judge of the High Court of Ontario—Chairman. Mr. Milton Neil Campbell, M.P. for Mackenzie, Saskatchewan. Mr. Charles Hebert, B.A., of Montreal.

As regards the right of access of United Kingdom traders to the Tariff Board I would refer to Article 15 of the Trade Agreement with Canada, which contains an undertaking on the part of His Majesty's Government in Canada that United Kingdom producers shall be entitled to full rights of audience before the Tariff Board when it has under consideration matters arising under Articles 13 and 14.

Mr. MABANE

Does that mean that producers will have direct access or will their applications have to be endorsed by our Government before they can make them?

Mr. THOMAS

During the Recess almost all the trades that are appealing to the Tariff Board for revision have been in consultation with the Government. Representations will be made on their behalf. I have already indicated that United Kingdom producers will have full right of audience.

Mr. HANNON

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether the representations to the Tariff Board will be made through his Department or the Board of Trade?

Mr. THOMAS

That is a technical matter. I may say that my Department and the Board of Trade are in joint communication.

Viscountess ASTOR

The right hon. Gentleman has said that there are three members of the Board, one of whom is a judge, and one a Member of Parliament. Can he tell us the political complexion of the two Members? Is it a non-party Board?