HC Deb 29 March 1955 vol 539 c200
53. Mr. P. Roberts

asked the President of the Board of Trade what steps he is taking to encourage the United States Tariff Commission to reduce the tariff status of cutlery, knives and similar articles made in this country and exported to the United States of America, in view of our need for dollars.

The Minister of State, Board of Trade (Mr. A. R. W. Low)

Under the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade, the United States Government have already made the maximum reductions in tariff rates at present permitted by United States law in favour of cutlery of the kinds we export to the United States.

Mr. Roberts

Is my right hon. Friend aware that we are now discussing the question of classification of various kinds, and that the United States tariff on pen knives, for instance, is as much as 264 per cent.? Has not the time come when my right hon. Friend may be able to help on the question of reclassification?

Mr. Low

I will certainly look at the point, but my hon. Friend's Question relates, I think, to duties.