§ Mr. G. GIBSONasked the President, of the Board of Trade if he is aware that the action of the Australian Government in imposing higher duties on textiles imported into that Dominion is having harm- 1212W ful effects on the textile industry of the West Riding of Yorkshire; and does he propose making representations to the Australian Government protesting against these increased duties?
§ Mr. W. GRAHAMI am aware that the recent imposition of higher duties on these and many other classes of goods is likely to have an adverse effect on industry in this country, and general representations on the subject have already been addressed to the Commonwealth Government.
§ Mr. HANNONasked the President of the Board of Trade if he has received any reports of cancellation of orders for goods placed with manufacturers in this country consequent upon the introduction of the new Australian tariff; and if he has made any representations to the Australian Government on behalf of shippers with whom orders had been placed before the 22nd ultimo that their goods should be admitted at the old rate?
§ Mr. GRAHAMThe answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. His Majesty's Government in the United Kingdom have already communicated with His Majesty's Government in the Commonwealth respecting the recent increases of duty, but having regard to the invariable Australian practice of enforcing increased duties from the date on which they are announced, I fear that any request for exemption in favour of goods already on order would not serve a useful purpose.