§ Sir V. BOWATERasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he is aware that over 60,000 tons of English-made newsprint, of a value of over one and a-quarter millions sterling, was delivered into Australia during 1923 under a preference of £3 per ton over that delivered by foreign makers; and, in view of the loss to the paper industry of this country and the great increase in unemployment caused by the threatened loss of this preference, he will reconsider his decision with regard to Imperial Preference?
Mr. GRAHAMThe total quantity of newsprint paper of United Kingdom manufacture consigned from this country to Australia in 1923 was 60,520 tons, valued at £1,246,163. A duty of £3 a ton is at present levied in Australia on foreign newsprint but not on that originating in this country. I am not aware of any intention on the part of the Australian Government to alter these arrangements, but negotiations have been for some time in progress for the conclusion of a reciprocal trade agreement between Australia and Canada. In reply to the second part of the question, my right hon. Friend is unable to add anything to the statement which he made on opening the Budget on the 29th April.