§ Major CAYZERasked the President of the Board of Trade whether trade in British-caught fish with France is being prejudicially affected owing to the high import duty charged by France on such fish; and whether he will inquire into the matter, in consultation with the Foreign Office, and ascertain whether anything can be done?
§ Sir P. LLOYD-GREAMEThis matter has already formed the subject of representations to the French Government, and I am not aware of any further action which could usefully be taken. As the hon. and gallant Member is no doubt aware, the duty was reduced on 10th June from 46 to 38 francs per 100 kilogs.
Mr. HOUFTONasked the President of the Board of Trade if the duty on English lace imported into France is four and a half times greater than before the War; that French lace is admitted into Great Britain free of duty; that, consequently, very little English lace is now exported to France whilst large quantities of French 1725W lace are being delivered here to the detriment of the English lace makers; and what steps does he propose to take to remedy this unfair state of things?
§ Sir P. LLOYD-GREAMEI am aware of the facts stated by the hon. Member, but I would remind him that, though the duty on cotton lace measured in francs is about four and a half times as great as before the War, the sterling equivalent of the duty is only about twice as great. If the hon. Member can furnish evidence that thead valorem equivalent of the present duty is greater than it was before the War, I will see that, as in other similar eases, the matter is brought to the notice of the French Government.