HC Deb 12 March 1935 vol 299 cc176-8
1. Mr. MALLALIEU

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he can supply the names of the countries which have made changes in the import quotas of British goods since January, 1934, in each case stating whether such changes were increases or decreases?

The PRESIDENT of the BOARD of TRADE (Mr. Runciman)

Changes in import quotas, affecting United Kingdom goods to a greater or less degree, have been made since January, 1934, in a large number of countries, including Austria, Belgium, Denmark, France, Greece, Hungary, the Irish Free State, Italy, the Netherlands, Netherlands East Indies, Persia, Rumania, Spain, Switzerland and Turkey. The general tendency of the changes made abroad has been to reduce imports from this country of the articles affected, but there are certain exceptions, particularly in the case of countries with which trade agreements have been concluded.

Mr. MALLALIEU

Is the right hon. Gentleman able to say which of the countries are now taking more of each of those British goods than they took in 1931?

Mr. RUNCIMAN

I could not reply without notice. If the hon. Member will put a series of questions on the Paper, I shall be glad to get the information.

Mr. HANNON

Will my right hon. Friend tell the House whether in cases of this nature an exchange of views takes place between this country and the country concerned before any reduction or increase of quota takes place?

Mr. RUNCIMAN

I cannot say that there is an exchange beforehand, but immediately there is an opening we take advantage of it.

2. Mr. MALLALIEU

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he can supply the names of the countries which have made changes in their Customs duties on British goods since January, 1934, in each case stating whether such changes were increases or decreases?

Mr. RUNCIMAN

Since January, 1934, there have been more or less important alterations in Customs duties, which have affected United Kingdom goods, in Belgium, Bulgaria, China, Estonia, France, Germany, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Mexico, the Netherlands and Netherlands East Indies, Switzerland, Turkey, United States, some South American Republics, most of the self-governing Dominions and India. Minor changes have also been made in many other countires, including some of the colonies. In most cases the general tendency was in an upward direction. In Empire countries, however, except the Irish Free State, and in Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania, the changes in duties on United Kingdom goods were generally in the direction of reductions. The same will be true of Poland when the new Trade Agreement comes into force. It is unfortunately true that in recent years the general tendency throughout the world has been to increase Customs duties; but the Trade Agreements with the Ottawa Dominions and with foreign countries have resulted in numerous ameliorations in favour of this country. Moreover, in many other instances the countries concerned undertook not to increase Customs duties on United Kingdom goods.

Mr. MALLALIEU

Does not the right hon. Gentleman think that that rather indicates that the late Mr. William Graham was more successful than he in reducing tariffs and other restrictions on our goods?

Mr. RUNCIMAN

The only comment I make is that, unless we had these trade agreements, things would be a good deal worse than they are.

Mr. HANNON

May I again ask the President of the Board of Trade how this increase of Customs duties is brought about? Are there representations made to the Government of this country first before the duties are imposed, and is it the case, when an agreement is signed, that no increased duties can be imposed?

Mr. RUNCIMAN

So far as the trade agreements are concerned, the foreign countries which are signatories must abide by the conditions. It is not customary to give notice beforehand of any increase of duty.

Mr. HANNON

Then these foreign countries impose these duties on our goods without giving any notice to this country at all?

Mr. RUNCIMAN

Not only upon our goods, but upon the goods of other countries too.

Mr. T. WILLIAMS

Is there any inconsistency between the action of foreign Governments and the action of this country towards other countries?