§ 37. Mr. PERKINSasked 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 1228 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. PERKINSHas the right hon. Gentleman made any representations to the Australian Government about this matter?
§ Sir PERCY HARRISDo the Australian Government advise the British Government of any proposed advances in duties before they are imposed?
Mr. THOMASNo, 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. HARRISIs 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. THOMASAnd that is why it is not necessary for the Government to interfere with what, after all, is the duty of the Board themselves.