§ Mr. WEDGWOODasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that the new American tariff increases the 1255W duty on lithographic transfers from 10d. to 10s. 5d. a pound; that this change will destroy three-fifths of our exports of lithographic transfers; whether the German Government has protested against this increase; whether he will make a similar protest; and whether he will state what value of this article was exported to America last year from the United Kingdom and Germany, respectively?
Mr. TENNANTThe rate of 10s. 5d., or 2½ dollars per pound referred to in the question is that applicable in the new Tariff Bill to "decalcomanias in ceramic colours." These transfers are not mentioned specifically in the present tariff, but, according to the latest United States Customs decisions of which I have any knowledge, are dutiable at the rate of three cents per pound, plus 20 per cent.ad valorem. There are no statistics available which would enable me to say what proportion of our exports of such transfers is sent to the United States, or what is the value of such exports from either the United Kingdom or Germany to that market. I have no official information as to any protest made by the German Government, but will have inquiries made on the subject. The matter shall be carefully watched.