§ Sir H. BRITTAINasked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is aware that the Belgian Government propose to revise their present Customs tariff and that, with regard to foreign newspapers and publications, a special article will be introduced taxing all fashion papers, maps, and music at 2026W the rate of 400 francs per 100 kilos; that this tax will have a serious effect upon the circulation of British fashion papers; and, in view of the possibility of its extension to other publications, what steps the Government propose to take in the matter?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSI have been asked to reply. I am aware that the Belgian Government are preparing a Bill for the revision of the Customs tariff, but no details of their proposals are yet available. As soon as the draft tariff is received it will be examined from the point of view of British trade interests, and the point raised by my hon. Friend will be borne in mind.