§ 34. Mr. HERBERT WILLIAMSasked the President of the Board of Trade whether, during the continuance of the proposed tariff truce, His Majesty's Government will be debarred from taking any special action to meet competition from countries whose standards of living and wage levels are much lower than those existing in this country?
§ Lieut.-Colonel COLVILLEI would refer my hon. Friend to the reply given to him by my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer on Monday last, with regard to increases of duties. If my hon. Friend has in mind the imposition of discriminatory duties, he will be aware that a period of notice is required for the determination of commercial treaties which preclude the imposition of such duties.
§ Mr. WILLIAMSThe reply of the Chancellor only relates to new industries, but I want to know if they are free in the case of special emergencies to deal with competition coming from abroad.
§ Lieut.-Colonel COLVILLEIf my hon. Friend will study my answer, I think he will see that it answers his question. The answer of the Chancellor of the Exchequer related to the procedure under the Advisory Committee. The second part of my answer relates to discriminatory duties.
§ Mr. WILLIAMSWill the hon. And gallant Gentleman say whether his answer is in the affirmative or the negative?
§ Lieut.-Colonel COLVILLEIf the hon. Member studies it, I think he will be able to decide that for himself.
§ 35. Mr. WILLIAMSasked the President of the Board of Trade whether, during the continuance of the proposed tariff truce, His Majesty's Government will be debarred from giving notice to terminate any commercial treaty?
§ Lieut.-Colonel COLVILLENo, Sir.