I beg to ask the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies if he has received a representation from the Birmingham Chamber of Commerce on the subject of the new Australian tariff; and, if so, whether he will inform the House of the nature of that representation.

A letter has been received from the Birmingham Chamber of Commerce, representing that hardship and loss will be inflicted on exporters by the immediate coming into operation of the new Australian Customs Tariff, and asking that a telegram might be sent to the Commonwealth Government requesting them to postpone the operation of the tariff for, say, three months. The effect of this letter has been telegraphed to the Commonwealth Government.

Will the reply when received be laid?

asked for notice.