§ 46. Mr. Russellasked the Prime Minister if he will lay before the forthcoming Conference of Commonwealth Prime Ministers proposals that Commonwealth Governments should simplify their tariffs, firstly, by reducing to a reasonable number the large number of different rates of duty which most of them contain, and secondly, by converting specific rates, especially complicated duties composed of specific and ad valoremrates combined, into ad valoremrates.
§ The Prime MinisterThis is a technical matter to which a good deal of thought is already being given by the United Kingdom and certain other Commonwealth Governments. I scarcely think that the forthcoming meeting of Commonwealth Prime Ministers would be a suitable occasion to consider such questions except in general terms.
§ Mr. RussellWill my right hon. Friend consider bringing this matter before the next meeting of Commonwealth Finance Ministers, whenever one is held?
§ The Prime MinisterCertainly. Sir. This is, as my hon. Friend probably knows, a very technical matter, on which a good deal of work is already going on.