§ Sir W. de FRECEasked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he can inform the House of the British delegates on the Commission investigating the question of Chinese tariff and the Commission investigating the question of extraterritoriality in China, respectively; whether he can give the full composition of both Committees; when they are expected to start; and when they are likely to conclude their labours?
Mr. HARMSWORTHThe Commission to revise the tariff so as to make it an effective 5 per cent.ad valorem is to meet in Shanghai at the earliest possible date. His Majesty's Government have appointed Mr. H. H. Fox, C. M. G., Commercial Counsellor to His Majesty's Legation at Peking, to represent His Majesty's Government when the Commission is summoned. This will be as soon as the other Powers concerned have appointed their delegates, and the Treaty contemplates that the Commission should conclude its labours within four months from 4th February, 1922. The Commission or Special Conference to deal with the question of abolition of likin and surtax on dutiable imports is to meet in China on a date and at a place to be designated by the Chinese Government. It is to meet within three months after the ratification of the Nine Power Treaty signed at Washington on 6th February. His 269W Majesty's Government have appointed Sir B. Alston, His Majesty's Minister at Peking, as their delegate, and are considering the appointment of technical advisers to assist him. The Extraterritoriality Commission is to be constituted within three months from the adjournment of the Washington Conference, and is to complete its labours within one year from the date of its first meeting. His Majesty's Government are considering the appointment of their delegate, but no decision has yet been reached. I am not in a position to give the full composition of the Commissions, upon which are to be represented not only the Washington Conference Powers, but also other Treaty Powers who may so desire.