§ 27. Mr. Russellasked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware that the United State tariff on imports of certain types of linen towelling is to be increased from 10 per cent. ad valorem to 40 per cent.; and what representations he is making in the interest of our export trade.
§ Mr. P. ThorneycroftYes. Her Majesty's Government have made representations to the United States Government, and I am now considering what form of compensation we should seek.
§ Mr. Armstrongasked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been drawn to the withdrawal by the United States of America of a concession[...] previously granted under the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade, which has the effect of increasing the tariff on imports of linen towelling from 10 per cent. ad valorem to 40 per cent.; how far this is the result of agreement he reached at Geneva; whether he is aware of serious effects this will have on the linen industry and on employment in Northern Ireland; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. P. ThorneycroftI would refer my hon. Friend to the reply I have given today to my hon. Friend the Member for Wembley, South (Mr. Russell).