§ 21. Mr. Henry Hopkinsonasked the President of the Board of Trade what action he is taking to carry out the under taking given last year by his Department to the president of the National Willow Growers' Association to receive a case for the increase of the tariff on imported willows from 10 per cent. to 30 per cent.
Mr. H. WilsonAs the hon. Member for Worcestershire, South (Mr. De la Bère), was informed in reply to his Ques- 364 tion on 20th March, we are always prepared to receive applications for variations in rates of import duties. In this case, however, we have not yet received a considered application for additional protection from the National Willow Growers' Association, and consequently have not been able to take further action.
§ Mr. HopkinsonIs it not a fact that at present Article 3 (1) of the Anglo-Polish Commercial Agreement, 1935, forbids the raising of duties on willows beyond 10 per cent.? Will the right hon. Gentleman free his hands of this matter, so that he may consider fresh duties that may be put up to him by the National Willow Growers' Association?
Mr. WilsonThe hon. Gentleman is quite right. There is the complication of the Polish Agreement. We do not, however, feel that the Agreement precludes us from the possibility of examining any proposals that may be submitted.