§ Sir W. Smilesasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what is the present position of the Jamaican cigar industry; and if he will take steps to secure the same preference for Jamaican cigars imported into the United Kingdom as is granted to Havana cigars imported into the U.S.A.
Mr. Creech JonesThe Jamaica cigar industry has made substantial progress in recent years, and I hope that it will continue to expand. As regards the specific suggestion of the hon. and gallant Member, His Majesty's Government's policy in relation to tariffs and preferences was set out by my right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade in this House on 12th December, 1945, in dealing with the U.S. Government's proposals for consideration by an international conference on trade and employment. To increase272W preferential margins would clearly run counter to this policy, but I am of course ready to back any request by Jamaica that we should in the forthcoming international tariff negotiations, seek a reduction in the preference enjoyed by Cuban cigars in the U.S.A