36. Mr. TEMPLE MORRISasked the President of the Board of Trade how British exporters will be affected by the provisions of the Mercantile Marine Wages Subsidies Bill which has been passed by the French Chamber; and when it is expected to come into force?
§ The PRESIDENT of the BOARD of TRADE (Mr. Runciman)I understand that the Bill, in the form in which it passed the Chamber of Deputies, provides that the cost of the subsidy shall be met by a maximum increase of 3 per cent. in customs duties and also by a maximum increase of 80 per cent. in the statistical duties. I am unable to forecast how British exporters are likely to be affected by this measure, should it become law, or when it is likely to come into force.