HC Deb 23 February 1933 vol 274 cc1911-2W
Sir M. McKENZIE WOOD

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been drawn to the decision of the German Government to increase still further the import duty on cured herrings; whether the tariff negotiations between Britain and Germany are still proceeding; and what action he proposes to take to protect the herring industry from further injury?

Lieut.-Colonel COLVILLE

Inquiries have been made by His Majesty's Embassy at Berlin who have been informed by the German Government that no increase of duty on cured herrings is anticipated, and the third part of the question therefore does not now arise. As regards the second part of the question, I would refer the hon. Member to the replies to questions by the right hon. Member for Darwen (Sir H. Samuel) on

Statement showing the total quantity and declared value of the imports of oatmeal entered at ports in Northern Ireland and over the Land Boundary during 1931 and 1932, and distinguishing in 1932 the countries of consignment.
— 1931. 1932.
Quantity. Declared Value. Quantity. Declared Value.
Cwts. £ Cwts. £
Total Imports. … … 42,574 22,752 27,252 16,914
Of which consigned from:—
Germany … … Not available 10.108 5,618
United States. … … 2,250 1.556
Canada … … 13,476 8,838
Irish Free State … … 1,418 902
Note.—The above particulars exclude the trade between Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

21st February and the hon. Member for East Aberdeen (Mr. Boothby) on 13th February.

Sir M. McKENZIE WOOD

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he can make a statement as to the results of the visit of the British trade delegation to Finland; and whether he can hold out any hope of an early reduction in the import of duty on herrings entering Finland?

Lieut.-Colonel COLVILLE

The report of the Mission has not yet been received. Their views and recommendations will receive most careful consideration by His Majesty's Government. In reply to the second part of the question, the duty levied in Finland on the importation of herrings is being borne in mind in connection with the forthcoming commercial negotiations with that country.