§ 7. Mr. H. WILLIAMS (for Mr. MITCHESON)asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs what progress has been made by the Canadian and Australian tariff boards in reducing the duties on United Kingdom goods?
Mr. J. H. THOMASI understand that the Canadian Tariff Board have heard and are considering evidence in support of an application for a reduction of the duties on woollen and worsted goods, and that they are making arrangements to hear evidence in respect of several other applications. As regards Australia, I understand that, in accordance with recommendations made by the Commonwealth Tariff Board since the date of the Ottawa Conference, the duties on United Kingdom goods have been reduced in 67 items or sub-items of the Tariff and increased in five items. In addition, reductions ranging up to 12½ per cent. ad valorem are to be made in the protective duties applicable to British goods, in partial relief of the depreciation of Australian currency in terms of sterling, in relation to approximately 850 items and sub-items in the Tariff. The primage duties on United Kingdom goods have also been reduced or abolished in many cases.
§ Mr. HANNONHas there not been, since the Ottawa Conference, a general disposition on the part of the Dominions to meet the conclusions arrived at at the conference, and to help us as far as possible in the development of inter-Imperial trade?
Mr. THOMASThe figures clearly demonstrate the value of the Ottawa Conference and the Agreements, not only to ourselves, but to the Dominions and Colonies.