HC Deb 17 May 1934 vol 289 cc1929-30
51. Mr. HANNON

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether representations have been made to the Spanish Government on behalf of the British motor-cycle industry that the import duty on British motor-cycles should be on the same basis as those imposed upon motor-cycles from France and other countries, seeing that under the Franco-Spanish agreements the duties imposed on British cycles entering Spain have become prohibitive; and if any further action on the part of His Majesty's Government is contemplated?

Mr. RUNCIMAN

The Spanish import duties on French motor-cycles were reduced under a Franco-Spanish agreement of October, 1931, and United King- dom motor-cycles obtained the benefit of this reduction by virtue of most-favourednation rights. As a result of the recent abrogation of this agreement, the former higher duties become automatically applicable both to French and United Kingdom motor-cycles. It appears possible that some modification may result from further negotiations between France and Spain. The position is being carefully watched from the point of view of the rights and interests of the United Kingdom trade.

Mr. HANNON

Is it not the fact that at the present moment the Franco-Spanish agreement means almost the complete prohibition of British motorcycles getting into Spain at all?

52. Mr. HANNON

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in view of the treatment accorded to British manufactured goods entering Spain, he will consider the desirability of increased tariffs on Spanish wine and fruit with the object of extending the production of these commodities in the British Empire?

Mr. RUNCIMAN

I have noted my hon. Friend's suggestion. The position is being closely watched.

Mr. HANNON

This is very important. Will the President of the Board of Trade use the instrument of the tariff to force the Spanish Government to give fair play to British manufacturers?

Sir ROBERT HAMILTON

Will the right hon. Gentleman say whether any tariff could succeed in producing Spanish wine in British Dominions?