HC Deb 26 May 1932 vol 266 cc566-7W
Lord APSLEY

asked the President of the Board of Trade which are the Commercial Treaties by which His Majesty's Government are bound not to reduce the Excise Duty on beer brewed from homegrown malting barley and hops without a corresponding reduction in the duty on beer brewed wholly or partially from foreign-grown malting barley and hops; what is the nature of the Treaties; when wore they signed; and for how long are His Majesty's Government bound by them?

Mr. MORRISON

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether there exist Commercial Treaties with foreign nations which prevent His Majesty's Government from giving preference by means of excise to brewers of beer made from British barley and hops; and if he will specify such Treaties, stating the nation with which they have severally been concluded, the dates of their ratification, and the Clause in each Treaty which has this effect?

Mr. COLVILLE

The following statement gives particulars of the Treaties in question. These Treaties include provisions to the effect that internal duties levied for the benefit of the State or

Country. Date of Signature. Date of Ratification. When terminable. Relevant Article
Austria May 22nd, 1924 Feb. 11th, 1925 Feb. 11th, 1935 or there after, on 12 months' notice. 8
Estonia Jan. 18th, 1926 May 3rd, 1926 After 1 year's notice 10
Finland Dec. 14th, 1923 July 4th, 1924 After 6 month's notice 9
France Feb. 28th, 1882 May 12th, 1882 After 3 months' notice 4
Germany Dec. 2nd, 1924 Sept. 8th, 1925 After 1 year's notice 14
Greece July 16th, 1926 Dec. 10th, 1926 After 1 year's notice 13
Hungary July 23rd, 1926 July 26th, 1927 July 26th, 1937 or thereafter, on 1 year's notice. 8
Japan April 3rd, 1911 May 5th, 1911 July 29th, 1932 or thereafter, on 12 months' notice. 11
Latvia June 22nd, 1923 Nov. 5th, 1923 After 12 months' notice 9
Persia May 10th, 1928 Not ratified In force provisionally 3
Portuga Aug. 12th, 1914 May 20th, 1916 After 1 year's notice 9
Rumania Aug. 6th, 1930 May 12th, 1931 May 12th, 1934 or thereafter, on 6 months' notice. 17
Siam July 14th, 1925 Mar. 30th, 1926; March 30th, 1936 or there-after, on 12 months' notice. 18
Spain Oct. 31st, 1922 April 23rd, 1924 After 3 months' notice 10
Turkey Mar. 1st, 1930 Sept. 3rd, 1930 Sept. 3rd, 1935 or thereafter, on 12 months' notice. 19
Yugo-Slavia May 12th, 1927 Feb. 9th, 1928; Feb. 9th, 1933 or thereafter, on 1 year's notice. 13