§ 17. Mr. PERKINSasked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether he is aware that the tariff concessions recently granted at the Ottawa Conference by the New Zealand Government in respect of British ready-made clothing have been nullified by the recent changes in the rates of exchange; and what steps he is taking to maintain British exports to New Zealand?
Mr. J. H. THOMASAs I informed the right hon. Member for South Molton (Mr. Lambert) on 11th April, the question of the exchange rate is not one in which representations could appropriately be made by His Majesty's Government in the United Kingdom to flu Majesty's Government in New Zealand. I may add that, under Article 8 of the Agreement between His Majesty's Government in the United Kingdom and His Majesty's Government in New Zealand, an inquiry into the existing protective duties in that Dominion will be held in June, and that the producers of ready-made clothing in the United Kingdom will, in accordance with Article 9 of the agreement, have an opportunity of putting forward their views.
§ Mr. PERKINSWill my right hon. Friend explain to the Dominion of New Zealand that it will be impossible for this country to continue to buy her agricultural produce unless that Dominion is prepared to buy our manufactured goods?
§ Sir MURDOCH McKENZIE WOODWhy cannot the Government of this country make representations to the New Zealand Government on this question?
Mr. THOMASBecause there is an inquiry to be held in June, and it would be a very delicate situation for New Zealand to make representations to us on what is after all our own domestic policy.
§ Sir M. WOODAre we to understand that this question of exchange rates is an integral part of the negotiations that have been going on with regard to tariffs?