§ Mr. A. R. KENNEDYasked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been called to the recent interpretation of the Australian preferential tariff regulations whereby the use of Australian wool in British-made felt hats disqualifies the British exporter of such articles from receiving the preferential tariff treatment hitherto accorded; and whether he is taking steps to bring to the notice of the Australian authorities the hardship which is thus imposed upon British manufacturers who use Australian wool in their productions?
§ Captain HACKINGUnder the Australian preference regulations which have been in force since 1st April, 1925, hat manufacturers are entitled to use Australian wool to any extent provided they use no foreign manufactured materials such as trimmings or bindings. Where they do so they must show that at least 75 per cent. of the value of the hats is due to labour and materials of United Kingdom origin, and for this purpose the value of any Australian wool has to be excluded. I have been in consultation with the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs, and it is felt that no useful purpose would be served by approaching the Commonwealth Government on this matter.