asked the President of the Board of Trade whether attention is being continuously directed to the enhanced tariffs in Italy and Spain, which are injuriously affecting the manufacturers of engines and machinery in this country; whether he is aware that in Italy tariffs against British-made oil engines have been increased by over 20 per cent. above the pre-War amount: and what practical action the Government has taken or intends to take in this matter?
The answer to the first and second parts of the question is in the affirmative. His Majesty's Government have made representations to the Italian. Government in regard to the greatly increased duties now leviable on certain British goods (including oil engines), while as regards Spain, I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer given him on the 23rd May.