§ 93. Mr. HAMMERSLEYasked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether there is any undertaking on the part of the Canadian Government that the Canadian. Tariff Board will be so constituted that it cannot be subjected to political influences?
The SECRETARY of STATE for DOMINION AFFAIRS (Mr. J. H. Thomas)I would refer the hon. Member to the Canadian Tariff Board Act, 1931, from which he will see that the Tariff Board is constituted as a judicial body and as a court of record.
§ 94. Mr. HAMMERSLEYasked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether there is any undertaking by the Canadian Government that the recommendations of the Tariff Board will be implement by legislation?
Mr. THOMASIt is provided by Article 13 of the Canadian Agreement that on the request of His Majesty's Government in the United Kingdom, His Majesty's Government in Canada will cause a review to be made by the Tariff Board of the duties charged on any commodities specified in such request, and that such report shall be laid before the Canadian Parliament, and that Parliament shall be invited to vary wherever necessary the tariff on such commodities of United Kingdom origin as to give effect to the principles laid down in Article 11. Article 14 of the Agreement further provides that no existing duty shall be increased on United Kingdom goods except after an inquiry and the receipt of a report from the Tariff Board, and in accordance with the facts as found by that body.
§ Mr. HAMMERSLEYIs my right hon. Friend aware that the anticipated beneficial results of the Anglo-Canadian treaty have been negatived by administrative action, and that apparently there is no redress?
Mr. THOMASIf any specific case is brought to my notice I will certainly take it up, but it is only fair to say that, owing to difficulties well understood, the Tariff Board was only formed last week, and it is hardly fair to prejudge the issue when they have not had an opportunity of reviewing any case?