HC Deb 24 November 1936 vol 318 cc208-10
26. Mr. LYONS

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs the number of occasions this year on which the Tariff Board in Canada has considered applications for tariff reduction by manufacturers of this country in pursuance of the Ottawa Agreements; the number and particulars of tariff items covered thereby; and the items in respect of which reductions have been ordered and the amounts thereof?

Mr. M. MacDONALD

There has been no occasion for the Tariff Board in Canada to meet this year in order to consider applications on behalf of United Kingdom manufacturers for reviews of Canadian duties under the provisions of the Trade Agreement between the United Kingdom and Canada concluded at Ottawa; but, as my hon. and learned Friend is aware, they presented a report on cotton textiles in April which recommended a reduction in the British preferential tariff on these goods.

Mr. LYONS

While thanking my right hon. Friend for what he has said, may I ask whether this question of a tariff board sitting at Ottawa will be one of the matters that will be reviewed at the forthcoming Imperial Conference

Mr. MacDONALD

The whole question of the Ottawa Agreements and the possible revision of the trade agreement with Canada is, as my hon. and learned Friend has no doubt noticed in the Press, under consideration.

Sir J. NALL

Are the Dominion Government taking steps to give effect to the recommendations which my right hon. Friend has mentioned?

Mr. MacDONALD

The recommendations have already been given effect to by the Dominion Government.

44. Mr. H. G. WILLIAMS

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether advantage is to be taken of the denunciation by the Government of India of the Ottawa Trade Agreement to accord to British manufacturers in this country, where it is necessary, some measure of protection against Indian manufactured goods, while continuing to accord such goods substantial preferences over similar foreign goods?

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

I can assure my hon. Friend that the interests to which he refers will be carefully borne in mind during the negotiations.

Mr. WILLIAMS

Is my right hon. Friend prepared to advise his colleagues in necessary cases to impose duties at preferential rates on goods coming from India?

Mr. RUNCIMAN

I think my hon. Friend had better put that question on the Paper.

Mr. A. V. ALEXANDER

Is there any reason why the preference on linseed should not be at once removed?

Mr. RUNCIMAN

I certainly cannot answer a question about linseed without notice.

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