§ 37. Sir JOHN WARDLAW-MILNEasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will give the figures of the exports to and imports from Poland of carpets and rugs during the last five years?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANI am having a statement prepared which I will send to my hon. Friend as soon as possible.
§ Sir J. WARDLAW- MILNEIs it the case that the imports from Poland are increasing? Can the right hon. Gentleman answer that question?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANI am afraid I cannot answer that question yet.
§ 35 and 36. Mr. GRANVILLE GIBSON (for Mr. MALLALIEU)asked the President of the Board of Trade (1) what is the percentage reduction, as compared with the 1930 level, of the duties on British exports to Poland which the recent treaty with that country reduces below the 1930 level; and what is the average percentage increase of those duties, as compared with the 1930 level, on British exports to Poland which are now to be higher than the 1930 level;
(2) whether the recent trade agreement with Poland has resulted in a decrease of the rate of duty, as compared with the 1930 level, on 60 per cent. of the types of articles exported from this country to Poland, or on 60 per cent. of their bulk or of their value?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANThe Polish trade agreement provided for the reduction of 340 rates of duty in the Polish tariff. About 60 per cent. of the reduced rates of duty are below the levels in force in 1930. The reduced rates are for the most part 25 per cent. to 50 per cent. lower than the 1930 levels. The rates which still show an increase as compared with 1930 rates vary very widely, but do not for the most part exceed the 1930 rates by more than 50 per cent. It is estimated that, on the basis of the figures for 1930, from 40 per cent. to 50 per cent. by value of our trade with Poland will benefit by duties lower than those applied in 1930. In addition reduced duties will be enjoyed by various trades which have developed since 1930, or are now being developed.