HC Deb 12 March 1953 vol 512 c139W
69. Mr. Holt

asked the President of the Board of Trade what representations the Government have made, or intend to make, to the Australian Government about increases in Australian tariffs on certain imported United Kingdom textiles and internal combustion engines, detailed in a new schedule presented to the Australian Parliament on 5th March.

Mr. Mackeson

The steep increase in the preferential duty on one type of furnishing fabrics is a necessary correction of an earlier oversight by the Australian Government. The matter was fully discussed with the Australian authorities and with representatives of the United Kingdom exporters concerned. It affects a trade which, at its peak, was of the order of £8,000 a year. But my right hon. Friend is seriously concerned about the increases in the duties on internal combustion engines (excluding vehicle engines). These increases are the result of inquiries held by the Australian Tariff Board, at which our exporters were represented, and my right hon. Friend will consider whether representations would be appropriate when he has examined the Tariff Board's Report.

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