Mr. TINNEasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is aware that the new French tariff has increased the duty on British Colonial tanning extracts to the figure of 70 francs per 100 kilos, whilst Argentine quebracho extract enters at 17.05 francs, and France sends chestnut extract into this country free of duty; whether he is aware of the provisional agreement between America and France which came into force on Monday, 21st November, 1927, under which tanning extracts paying duty under tariff No. 0377 (70 francs per 100 kilos) reverted to the duty of 45.90 francs per 100 kilos, and that consequently British Colonial tanning extracts which come from India and the native States, the Straits Settlements, Borneo, and South Africa will benefit as from the same date by the lower rate of 40.90 francs, which is applied to American extracts; and will he make representations on behalf of the Crown Colonies with the French Government for the conclusion of special treaties between British Colonies and France so that extracts exported from these-Colonies to France may enjoy the benefit 993W of the minimum tariff, namely, 17.05 francs, as accorded to solid extracts of Argentine origin?
Mr. LOCKER-LAMPSONIn general, the position is as stated in the first part of the question, but it may be pointed out that the duty on Argentine quebracho extract (under tariff No. 0378) is 9.35 francs and not 17.05 francs per 100 kilogrammes. The question of approaching the French Government in the hope of securing more favourable treatment for British Colonial tanning extracts is under consideration.