§ Captain BOWYERasked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that the French Government have recently placed a heavy surtax on the importation of certain classes of goods into France; that this legislation applies to goods ordered in this country before the legislation in question was passed, but not shipped, before that date; that considerable hardship is being caused to British exporters by this legislation, especially by its retrospective nature; and whether, in view of the importance of this question to British industry, His Majesty's Government intend to take any and, if so, what action?
§ Mr. BRIDGEMANI have been asked to answer this question. A notice relating to this matter, including a full statement of all the surtaxes in question, has been published as a Supplement to the "Board of Trade Journal." The surtaxes apply to goods shipped after 18th June, and representations have been made to the Board of Trade in regard to goods contracted for but not shipped prior to that date. My right hon. Friend is considering whether it may be possible to obtain some concession from the French Government, but it is the general practice, when Customs duties are increased, to enforce the increased rates in the case of all goods shipped after a fixed date irrespective of the date on which they were ordered.