§ Captain P. MACDONALDasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he has any information respecting the proposed amendments to the New Zealand tariff; and, if so, in what way encouragement is given to British trade?
§ Mr. W. GRAHAMThe principal changes made in the New Zealand Customs tariff as from 23rd July are summarised in a notice published in the Board of Trade Journal for 24th July, copy of which I am sending to the hon. Member. Increased duties have been imposed on a few classes of goods, both British and foreign, but for the most part the increased duties apply to 297W foreign goods only, with the result that an increased measure of tariff preference, amounting in most cases to 5 per cent. ad valorem, has been accorded to many classes of imports of British origin. Apart from this, the primage duty of 2 per cent. ad valorem formerly levied on nearly all British and foreign imports, whether the goods are subject to Customs duty or not, has been superseded by a percentage surtax on the import duties. This change will be to the benefit of such British goods as are free of Customs duty. Whilst the new surtax will involve in the case of some dutiable goods a higher charge than the old 2 per cent. ad valorem primage, it will have the effect of increasing the amount of tariff preference to dutiable British goods in general.