§ 48. Sir JOSEPH LAMBasked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been drawn to the fact that tin oxide is being dumped into this country from Australia at a price £95 per ton less than that charged in their own country and at considerably below the actual cost of the metal from which the oxide is produced; and what action he proposes to take to enable the continuance of the employment of labour in this country in this important industry?
§ Dr. BURGINMy attention has been drawn to the increasing imports of tin oxide from Australia, but I am not aware that the price is less than the cost of the metal from which it is made. The free entry of tin oxide into this country is secured by the United Kingdom-Australian Ottawa Agreement.
§ Sir J. LAMBIs the Minister aware that tin refined in this country to the value of £100,000 has been imported for the purpose of making this tin oxide and that this cannot be continued under present conditions, and that the entry of tin oxide into Australia has a 25 per cent. exchange rate against it, in addition to a 5½ per cent. tariff, which amounts to a total of nearly 31 per cent.?
§ Dr. BURGINI have followed what the hon. Member says. In regard to the matter referred to in the question, there may be a confusion in prices because of the depreciation of Australian currency. Perhaps if the hon. Member will look into the matter and confer with me, we may discuss it in more detail.
§ Sir J. LAMBIs the hon. Member not aware—
§ Mr. SPEAKERThe hon. Member has had an invitation to discuss the matter.