HC Deb 13 July 1933 vol 280 cc1227-8
37. Mr. PERKINS

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether he has made any representations to the Government of Australia in respect of the recent increase of their tariff against British manufactured goods; and, if so, what is the result?

The SECRETARY of STATE for DOMINION AFFAIRS (Mr. J. H. Thomas)

The recent increases in the duties levied in Australia upon certain classes of goods, five in number, imported from the United Kingdom were, I gather, made in accordance with reports by the Tariff Board, and I assume that the board was guided by the principles laid down in Article 10 of the Agreement between His Ma sty's Government in the United Kingdom and His Majesty's Government in the Commonwealth of Australia, concluded at Ottawa. I shall, however, be happy to consider any specific representations in the matter which may be made by the United Kingdom industries concerned.

Mr. PERKINS

Has the right hon. Gentleman made any representations to the Australian Government about this matter?

Mr. THOMAS

I have already said that I expect the particular trades to consult me.

Sir PERCY HARRIS

Do the Australian Government advise the British Government of any proposed advances in duties before they are imposed?

Mr. THOMAS

No, there is no provision for that. We do not advise any foreign or Dominion Government of any particular action that is determined by the Board.

Sir P. HARRIS

Is it not the fact that we do not impose any extra duties on Dominion goods, and therefore it is not necessary to advise them?

Mr. THOMAS

And that is why it is not necessary for the Government to interfere with what, after all, is the duty of the Board themselves.