§ 85. Mr. HAMMERSLEYasked the President of the Board of Trade what is the tariff on hat leathers imported by France from Britain; and what is the tariff on similar imports by France from Belgium?
§ Lieut.-Colonel COLVILLEThe French Customs duty on hat leathers both from the United Kingdom and from Belgium is 10 per cent. ad valorem, United Kingdom goods of this class are charged, in addition, exchange compensation surtax of 15 per cent. ad valorem, from which Belgian goods are exempt, and 6 per cent. import tax on the duty paid value as against 2 per cent, charged on similar Belgian goods. The total charges on hat leathers from the United Kingdom therefore amount to 32½ per cent. ad valorem, and on those from Belgium 12 l–5th per cent. ad valorem.
§ Mr. HAMMERSLEYIs my hon. and gallant Friend satisfied that there is no discrimination against this country which would enable him to protest?
§ Lieut.-Colonel COLVILLENo, Sir, we are not satisfied, and representations on this score are being made.