HC Deb 21 February 1933 vol 274 c1572
13. Mr. MANDER

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether he has any statement to make with reference to the abolition of primage duties-by Australia and New Zealand?

Mr. J. H. THOMAS

Under Articles 14 and 11 of the respective Agreements, His Majesty's Governments in the Commonwealth of Australia and in New Zealand have undertaken to reduce or remove the primage duties as soon as financial conditions permit, and in the case of Australia the duties have been removed on 35 tariff items.

Mr. MANDER

Is it not the fact that in the case of New Zealand the primage duties have actually been raised on a. number of articles from 3 to 5 per cent., and what is the right hon. Gentleman doing about it?

Mr. THOMAS

If the hon. Member will put a question down, I will tell him what I will do.