§ Mr. JESSONasked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware that for some time past Spanish manufacturers have been pressing strongly that the Spanish Government should levy heavy tariffs against British goods; that a new system of tariffs comes into operation in Spain on the 20th of this month against the goods of all nations with whom a new commercial treaty has not been concluded prior to that date; and whether any steps have been taken by the Board of Trade to conclude a new commercial treaty between Great Britain and Spain that will meet the new conditions that will arise between the traders of both countries after the 20th of this month?
§ Sir P. LLOYD-GREAMEI am aware of the movement in favour of increased import duties in order to protect Spanish industries. A new provisional customs tariff has been in operation since 21st May, and no other tariff comes into operation on the 20th of this month. The provisional tariff referred to contains two columns of rates of duty, and the higher rates of the first column are being applied to the products of certain countries the treaties with which have been terminated, but goods, the produce and manufacture of the United Kingdom, will continue to be entitled to the lower rates of the second column by virtue of the Anglo-Spanish Exchange of Notes of 1894.