§ 4. Mr. GRAHAM WHITEasked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs if the recent increase in the Australian tariff on elastic fabrics was made after a communication by, and decision of, the Australian Tariff Board?
§ 3. Mr. PERKINSasked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs what reply he has given to the complaints made to him from the elastic fabric manufacturers in this country over the recent increase in the Australian tariff of 35 per cent.; and whether he has yet made any representations to the Australian Government?
Mr. M. MacDONALDAs my right hon. Friend stated in reply to the hon. Member for Stroud (Mr. Perkins) on 30th May, he understands that the increased duty on elastic fabric of less than 1 inch in width was imposed in accordance with a recommendation of the Commonwealth Tariff Board after receiving evidence from United Kingdom interests. As at present advised, my right hon. Friend is not aware of any ground upon which he could usefully make representations to His Majesty's Government in the Commonwealth of Australia on the subject.
§ 6. Mr. WHITE (for Mr. MALLALIEU)asked the Secretary of State for 5 Dominion Affairs how many applications have been dealt with by the Australian Tariff Board in the terms of the Ottawa Agreements, and what the results have been?
Mr. M. MacDONALDMy right hon. Friend understands that since the Ottawa Agreement Act was passed in the Commonwealth of Australia at the end of November, the tariff board has submitted 34 reports which have resulted in the rates applicable to imports from the United Kingdom being reduced in the case of 53 tariff items and sub-items and increased in the case of five.