§ 41. Sir A. Knoxasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether a revision of the existing Customs Agreement between Palestine and Syria is now under negotiation; and whether he will, in the interests of the poorer sections of the population of Palestine, avoid any increase in this agreement of the present duties on goods imported from Syria?
Mr. MacDonaldNegotiations are at present in progress for the conclusion of a new Customs Agreement between Palestine and Syria. I am unable at this stage to say whether any increases in existing duties on goods imported from Syria will be made, but the interests of all sections of the population of Palestine are being borne in mind.
§ Sir A. KnoxHas there not always been free trade between Syria and Palestine, and what is the object of putting on duties?
Mr. MacDonaldI do not think I can say anything more, pending the negotiation of this Customs agreement, but we are bearing that kind of consideration very carefully in mind.
§ Mr. CrossleyWill my right hon. Friend bear specially in mind the need for a reduction in the duty on cement in Syria, owing to the amount of rebuilding that is going on here?