§ 26. Captain WATERHOUSEasked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs if he is aware that the minimum duty, including primage, exchange duty, sales tax, and ad valorem duty, on British socks and stockings entering Australia is over 90 per cent, and that the duty on cotton stockings, export value 7s. 6d. a dozen, is over 250 per cent.; and whether, in view of the terms of the Ottawa Agreements, he will draw the attention of the Government of Australia to these duties?
The SECRETARY of STATE for DOMINION AFFAIRS (Mr. J. H. Thomas)Certain reductions in the duties on socks and stockings imported into Australia became operative on 9th March, 1933, but I am aware that the duties are still at a high level. I understand that the matter has already been referred by His Majesty's Government in the Commonwealth of Australia to the Tariff Board for further inquiry and report.
§ Captain WATERHOUSEMay we take it that the right hon. Gentleman has this matter very much in mind, and will make representations whenever he does think they would be of any service to the trade of this country?
§ Mr. CHARLES BROWNMay I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether he thinks that tariffs like this encourage Empire Free Trade?
Viscountess ASTORIs the right hon. Gentleman quite certain that inter-Colonial tariffs will not bring peace but a sword?
§ Sir PERCY HARRISDoes not this show that the efforts made have been largely a waste of time?