HC Deb 13 July 1933 vol 280 cc1228-9
40. Captain P. MACDONALD

asked the President of the Board of Trade what is the approximate annual value of British import trade into France which is affected by the Bill which has just been passed by the French Chamber and which increases the duties on a large range of British exports to France by from 30 to 150 per cent.?

Lieut.-Colonel J. COLVILLE (Secretary, Overseas Trade Department)

I regret that the particulars given in the Official Trade Returns both of France and of this country are not sufficiently detailed to enable an estimate to be formed of the amount of our trade affected by the Bill, but I should explain that the increases in question affect all countries to which the French minimum tariff applies and that the goods concerned are in fact mainly goods in which the predominant interest is not that of this country.

Captain MACDONALD

Is the hon. and gallant Member satisfied that this is not a contravention of the Most-Favoured-Nation Clause in our trade agreement; and, also, may I ask whether it is not a contravention of the Tariff Truce entered into by the French Government during the term of the Economic Conference?

Lieut.-Colonel COLVILLE

As at present advised, I think it is not, but I should require to have notice of the question.

Captain Sir WILLIAM BRASS

In view of the fact that this Bill has only just been passed in the French Parliament, is it not obvious that it is a breach of the Tariff Truce?

Lieut.-Colonel COLVILLE

It may have been initiated some time ago; but I should require notice if I am to investigate the matter thoroughly.

Mr. THORNE

Is it not a fact that this Bill has been rushed through the French Parliament during the last few days, and is the hon. and gallant Member not aware that this increase in tariffs is going to hit our trades and that it has been imposed because we will not join the gold bloc?