HC Deb 10 July 1934 vol 292 cc155-6
9. Mr. NUNN

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he can furnish any information regarding the recent alterations in the Chinese Customs

am sending my hon. Friend a copy of the tables.

Following is the answer:

According to the returns of laid up tonnage issued by the Chamber of Shipping of the United Kingdom the numbers and net tonnage of British vessels reported as laid up in ports of Great Britain and Ireland on the under-mentioned dates were as follows:

— Number of Vessels. Tons net.
On 1st January, 1931 653 1,570,115
On 1st January, 1932 718 1,946,077
On 1st January,]933 744 1,934,536
On 1st January, 1934 477 1,226,813

tariff and how they will affect British trade?

Mr. RUNCIMAN

A revised Chinese tariff was put into operation on the 3rd July. As soon as full particulars are obtained I will have the changes in the tariff examined to see whether representations on behalf of the export interests of this country are called for and could usefully be made.

Mr. NUNN

Has nay right hon. Friend any information showing that the duties on cotton goods have been reduced, while the duties on chemicals and metal goods have been increased?

Mr. RUNCIMAN

There are a certain number of changes in this tariff, but I would not like to express an opinion upon them until I have had time to examine them.