§ 7. Mr. A. Reedasked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether he is aware that the import duty on many grades of paper entering the Irish Free State has recently been increased to 50 per cent. ad valorem, subject to certain licensing regulations; whether he was made aware of the intention of His Majesty's Government in the Irish Free State to impose this prohibitive rate of duty; whether any negotiations or discussions took place thereon prior to its imposition; and, if so, whether any effort was made to secure preferential terms of entry for United Kingdom products?
Mr. M. MacDonaldAs regards the first part of the hon. Member's question, I am aware that in the recent Irish Free State Budget a duty at the rate of 50 per cent. ad valorem on certain kinds of paper was introduced. As regards the remaining parts of the hon. Member's question, the answer is in the negative.
§ Mr. ReedCannot the right hon. Gentleman make some representation to the Irish Free State Government as to the evil effects of such excessive duty on the paper industry in this country?
Mr. MacDonaldI think that that is a matter which will have to wait for further trade negotiations between the two Governments.