Bibliothek des Instituts für Weltwirtschaft an der Universität Kiel COMMERCIAL INTELLIGENCE COMMITTEE REPORT TO THE C BOARD OF TRADE BY THE ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON COMMERCIAL INTELLIGENCE WITH REFERENCE TO THEIR PROCEEDINGS. Preôenteï" to Gott %ou#ee of parliament Dy (¿rommanír of fHajfotjp. And to be purchased, either directly or through any Bookseller, from EYRE and SPOTTISWOODE, East Harding Street, Fleet Street, E.C., and 32, Abingdon Street, Westminster, S.W., or OLIVER and BOYD, Edinburgh ; or E, PONSONBY, 116, Grafton Street, Dublin. LONDON: PRINTED FOR HIS MAJESTY’S STATIONERY OFFICE, BY EYRE AND SPOTTISWOODE, PRINTERS TO THE king’s MOST EXCELLENT MAJESTY. 1904. 20 [Cd. 2044.] Price 4\d. îiA^s ^ <um? fia^ ry 0 0 N T E N T S. Page REPORT of Committee : Miuute of Appointment - - - - - 3 Changes in Membership of Committee 3 Functions of Committee - - - - - 4 Meetings of Committee and of Sub-Committees - - - - 4 Advertisement of Intelligence Branch at Home and in the Colonies - 4 Colonial Representation on the Committee ----- -5 Officers designated by Colonial Governments to answer Inquiries - - - 5 Business of the Intelligence Branch ’ - - - - - 5 “ Grant in Aid ” to the Committee ------- 7 Application of Funds - - - - - - - 8 Board of Trade Mission to South Africa ------ 8 Appointment of Trade Correspondents in South Africa - - 8 Commercial Missions to Siberia and Persia ------ 9 New German Customs Tariff - - - - - - 10 New Russian and proposed new Austro-Hungarian Tariffs - - . - 11 Grant to Society of Comparative Legislation - - - 11 Conclusion - - - - - - - - - -11 Appendices : A.—Copy of Notice sent to Mayors of Boroughs, Chambers of Commerce, &c., &c. respecting the establishment of the Commercial Intelligence Branch of the Board of Trade - - - . - - 13 B—Copy of Circular sent by the Colonial Office to the various Colonial Governments on the same subject - - - - - - - 14 C. —List of British Commercial Attaches and Commercial Agents in Foreign Countries, and of the Correspondents of the Commercial Intelligence Branch in the Colonies 16 D. —Copy of Report by the Committee to the Board of Trade respecting the German Tariff - - - - - - -18 E.—Copy of Report by the Committee to the Board of Trade respecting the new Russian and proposed new Austro Hungarian Customs Tariffs - - 37 r R E PORT OF COMME HCI A L INTELL 1G ENCE CO MM I TT LE. TO THE PRESIDENT OF THE BOARD OF TRADE. Sir, The Advisory Committee on Commercial Intelligence has now been in existence for nearly four years, and the Committee think it may be of interest to lay before you a brief report of their proceedings since they were appointed by your predecessor in May 1900. Minute of Appointment. The following is a copy of the original Minute of Appointment :— “ The Board of Trade are pleased to appoint the following gentlemen “ to be a Committee for the purpose of advising the Board on the “ work of the Commercial Intelligence Branch of the Commercial, “ Labour, and Statistical Department for five years from this date :— Sir Courtenay Boyle, K.C.B., Permanent Secretary to the Board “ (Chairman). “ Sir Alfred Bateman, K.C.M.G,, Comptroller - General of the “ Commercial, Labour, and Statistical Department (Deputy “ Chairman). “ Sir Frederick Abel, Bart., K.O.B. “ The Lord Avebury. “ Sir Henry Bergne, K.C.M.G. “ Sir Charles E. Bernard, K.C.S.I. “ Mr. Frederick Brittain. “ Mr. T. Craig Brown. “ Prof. Wyndham Dunstan. " Mr. C. A. Harris, C.M.G. cc Sir Alfred Hickman, M.P. “ Mr. W. H. Holland, M.P. “ Sir Albert K. Rollit, M.P. " Mr. G. W. Wolff, M.P. ***** “ (Signed) Chas. T. Ilitchie.” Changes in Membership of Committee. We regret to have to state that during the period which has elapsed since this Minute was signed we have been deprived by death of the assistance of two of our original colleagues—Sir Courtenay Boyle and Sir Frederick Abel—and by retirement from the public service of two others— Sir Henry Bergne and the late Sir Charles Bernard. It will easily be understood that the loss of such able and experienced colleagues has been severely felt. On the other hand, the Committee has been strengthened by the appointment • E 31200. " ao 4 COMMERCIAL INTELLIGENCE COMMITTEE : of Lord Strathcona and Mount Royal, G.C.M.G., as representing the interests of the Dominion of Canada ; of Mr. H. Llewellyn Smith, C. B., who is now Comptroller-General of the Commercial, Labour, and Statistical Department of the Board of Trade ; of Mr. T. W. Ilolderness, C.S.I., who now represents the India Office on the Committee in the place of the late Sir Charles Bernard ; and of Mr. Algernon Law, who now represents the Foreign Office in the place of Sir Henry Bergne. By your Minute of the 24th May 1900 Sir Alfred Bateman was appointed Chairman of the Committee in succession to the late Sir Courtenay Boyle, and Mr. Llewellyn Smith was appointed Deputy Chairman. The vacancy caused by the death of Sir Frederick Abel, who represented the Imperial Institute prior to its transference to the Board of Trade, has not been filled up. The appointment of Lord Strathcona was an additional one, arising out of the circumstances mentioned below. Functions of Committee. As will appear from the Minute of Appointment above quoted, the Committee was originally established “ for the purpose of advising the “ Board on the work of the Intelligence Branch of the Commercial, “ Labour, and Statistical Department.” The Branch itself was created as a result of the recommendations of a Departmental Committee appointed by the Board of Trade in 1897 to inquire and report as to the best means of collecting and promptly disseminating accurate information on commercial ­ matters, and of collecting and exhibiting samples of goods of foreign origin competing with similar British goods. This Committee, among other recommendations, suggested “the establishment of an office, “ whose “ function it shall be to meet the constantly increasing demand for prompt “ and accurate information on commercial matters, so far as it can be “ met by Government action,” and that the duties of such an office should include the collection and focussing of information on subjects of commercial interest in such a way that it should become a centre' at which information of this nature could be readily obtained by manufacturers, traders, and others. It was further recommended that the duty of advising the Board of Trade as to the work of the office should be entrusted to a Committee composed of representatives of commercial interests and of various Government ­ Departments, and that this Committee should have placed at its disposal annually a sum to be utilised for the collection of commercial information by means of commercial missions and other methods. Meetings of Committee and of Sub-Committees. In addition to a number of meetings of Sub*Committee's, the Committee have held thirteen meetings for the despatch of business and for the consideration ­ of certain specific matters referred to them by the Board of Trade. The average number of members present has been ten out of a present membership of fourteen. The Principal of the Commercial Intelligence Branch has been in attendance at all the meetings of the full Committee, and statements respecting the constitution, accommodation, and work of the Branch have from time to time been laid before the Committee. Advertisement of Intelligence Branch at Home and in the Colonies. At the first meeting, held on the 14th June 1900, the Committee took steps to bring the existence of the Commercial Intelligence Branch and the scope of its work under the notice of the commercial public both in this country and in India and the Colonies more widely than had previously been the case. Printed notices were, with this object, sent to the Mayors of all Boroughs in the United Kingdom for distribution among traders and manufacturers, and to all Chambers of Commerce for distribution among their members, as well as to all Free Libraries. A copy of the notice referred to is annexed (Appendix A.). REPORT, 5 Colonial Office Circular to Colonies. Communications were also addressed to the India Office and the Colonial Office, asking them to call the attention of the Indian and Colonial Governments, respectively, to the establishment of the Branch and the nature of its functions, and forwarding copies of the same notice with a view to their distribution among all the Chambers of Commerce in the British Dependencies. As a result, a circular was sent by the Colonial Office to all the Colonial Governments, inviting their assistance in rendering the work of the Intelligence Branch as useful as possible to all concerned, and suggesting not only the prompt transmission home of information of a commercial nature, especially as regards changes in tariffs and in legislation affecting trade, but also the nomination of an officer in each Colony charged with the duty of receiving and answering inquiries from the Branch or from merchants and others applying direct. A copy of this circular is annexed (Appendix B.). This circular was in the first instance sent to the High Commissioner for Canada and the A gents-General in London of the various other self-governing Colonies, who generally replied expressing sympathy with the objects aimed at, and stating that they had communicated with their Governments upon the matter. The Committee understand that the Indian Government have the matter under their consideration. Appointment of a Colonial Representative on the Committee. The replies from the High Commissioner for Canada and the Agent-General for Tasmania suggested, in addition, that there should be some direct representation of Colonial interests on the Advisory Committee. The Secretary of State for the Colonies was consequently invited by the Board of Trade to nominate two or more gentlemen conversant with commercial and industrial affairs in the Colonies whom the Board might appoint as members of the Committee. In the result the Lord Strathcona and Mount Royal was appointed to be a member of the Committee in July 1901. The question of the appointment of further Colonial Members on the Committee, ­ representative respectively of Australasian and South African interests, had to be deferred for future consideration. We attach considerable importance to this matter, and we would suggest that, in the event of its being proposed to continue the Advisory Committee in force after the expiration of its first term of five years, it would be desirable to strengthen it in this direction. Colonial Officers designated to answer Inquiries. The replies received from the various Crown Colonies to the circular referred to above were of a very satisfactory character, indicating a considerable amount of interest in the scheme of work undertaken by the Intelligence Branch. Compliance with the request as to the transmission of commercial information was arranged for, and officers were nominated in each Colony to undertake the duty of receiving and answering commercial inquiries addressed to them either directly or through the Intelligence Branch. A complete list of these agents is given in Appendix C. Business of the Intelligence Branch. At this point reference should be made to the progress and development of the Intelligence Branch during the period covered by this Report. Foremost among the activities of the Branch should be mentioned the preparation and publication of the “ Board of Trade Journal,” the official medium for communicating commercial information to the trading public. Prior to 1900 the “ Journal " was issued monthly by the Commercial Department of the Board of Trade, but on the establishment of the Branch a suggestion of the Departmental Committee of 1897-8 to make it a weekly publication was acted upon, and the first weekly number appeared A 3 6 COMMERCIAL INTELLIGENCE COMMITTEE: on the 4th January 1900. That the contents of the “ Journal ” are widely appreciated is shown by the many quotations from it which appear in various publications at home and abroad, and by the inquiries which are constantly being received in the Branch respecting it. The section in the •“ Journal ” to which particular attention appears to be paid by the home press is that devoted to “ Openings for British Trade,” in which information as to possible openings for trade abroad, and especially information relating to contracts open to tender, is brought under the notice of the commercial community. Prominence is of course given in the “ Journal” to the publication ­ of new customs tariffs both of Foreign countries and of British possessions, and of notices relating to changes in customs tariff's. New tariffs have occasionally been published as separate supplements to the “ Journal.” Since the incorporation of the “ Imperial Institute Journal,” with the “Board of Trade Journal,” which took place at the beginning of 1903, a special quarterly supplement has been issued under the title of “ The Imperial Institute Bulletin,” which contains particulars of the work of the Institute at South Kensington, and reports of investigations carried out by the Scientific and Technical Department of the Institute as to the economic value of various products as well as scientific notes on matters of commercial interest. In addition to the preparation and publication of the “ Journal,” the Branch also issues the “ Monthly Accounts Relating to the Trade and Commerce of certain Foreign Countries and British Possessions.” It has also issued occasional Blue Books, such as “ The Trade and Shipping of South-East Asia” (with Map and Statistical Tables), Cd. 324/1901; two volumes of extracts from Diplomatic and Consular Reports, viz., “ Leather,” 1902, and “ Coal,” 1903 ; a Memorandum on “ Certificates of Origin ” (Cd. 1446/1903) ; and a Memorandum summarising the regulations in force in Foreign Countries with regard to Commercial Travellers’ Licences (Cd. 1961/1904). Among other branches of work undertaken by the Intelligence Branch are the compilation of the Annual Index to the Consular Reports ; the preparation of extracts from the Diplomatic and Consular Reports relative to particular trades in order to facilitate reference ; and the preparation of Lists of possible Purchasers of British goods in various countries, compiled from information sent home by His Majesty’s Consuls. . .0• » - The following may be indicated as among the principal subjects upon which inquiries are most frequently received by the Intelligence Branch :—-Trade Statistics (British and Foreign). The Names of Firms abroad engaged in particular Trades and Industries. Foreign and Colonial Customs Tariffs and Customs Regulations. Openings for Trade in the Colonies and Foreign Countries. Foreign, Indian, and Colonial Contracts open to Tender. Sources of Supply, Prices, &c., of Trade Products. Forms of Certificates of Origin required by Foreign and Colonial Governments. Regulations concerning Commercial Travellers. Since the establishment of the Branch it has received a large number of inquiries, both personal and in writing, on the subjects referred to above, as well as on many other topics. The work of answering many of these has involved considerable research and a large amount of labour. • J! During the year 1900, 1,244 inquiries were addressed to the Branch. Of these 945 were made by letter, while 299 were made personally. In 1901 the applications for information numbered 1,614; in 1902 they rose to 2,358; and in 1903 they were 3,599. In 1901, 1,220 applications were REPORT ^ made by letter and 394 were made personally ; in 1902 the corresponding figures were 1,749 and 609 ; and in 1903 they were 2,460 and 1,139. To these must be added applications made semi-officially by other Government Departments, which frequently involved a large amount of additional work. Of the 3,599 applications for information received in 1903, 798 were in connection with questions of Customs Tariffs, Customs Regulations. Certificates of Origin, &c. ; 698 were applications for lists of names of firms in foreign countries and the Colonies engaged in particular lines of business ; 539 were for statistical returns; and. 370 for information as to tenders, openings for trade, &c. ; the remainder being made up of inquiries as to official and other publications and the work and functions of the Branch ; the sources of supply, prices, &c. of various articles; with a number of miscellaneous applications relating to such matters as legal questions affecting trade matters abroad, commercial travellers’ licences, port and other shipping dues, company laws, trade-marks regulations, &e., &c. On the transfer to the Board of Trade of the management of the Imperial Institute, at the beginning of 1903, the work formerly done by the Imperial Institute in the matter of supplying commercial information was amalgamated with the work of the Commercial Intelligence Branch, which also became responsible for the City Branch opened by the Imperial Institute in Eastcheap. During the past year this Branch has been conducted as a temporary inquiry office by the Commercial Intelligence Branch, whose headquarters have hitherto remained at 50, Parliament Street. Suitable premises, however, have now been secured by the Board of Trade at 73, Basinghall Street, to which, at the date of this Report (April 1904), the headquarters of the Branch are about to be moved, the temporary office in Eastcheap being absorbed in the new office. It is hoped that, with the more active co-operation of the representatives of the Colonies, the transfer of the Branch to the centre of the City will still further increase its usefulness to the commercial community by making it more readily accessible to business men. Though not falling strictly within the scope of the work supervised by this Committee, they desire to draw attention to the scientific and technical work of the Imperial Institute and the collections of economic products of India and the Colonies, which are carried on at South Kensington. The Committee have learned with satisfaction of the steady progress that has been made in respect of those important branches of work since the transfer of the Imperial institute to the Board of Trade. " Grant in Aid ” to the Committee. On the first establishment of the Intelligence Branch, the Board of Trade directed the attention of the Treasury to the suggestions contained in the Report of the Departmental Committee of 1897 respecting a grant to enable the Advisory Committee to conduct special commercial inquiries abroad. As a consequence a grant of 1,0002. per annum, for five years certain, was allotted in aid of the expenditure of the Committee in these directions. The grant being a “ Grant in Aid,” the unexpended balance of one year becomes available for use in the following year, and so on, without being surrendered to the Exchequer, and it may be stated that without this convenient arrangement the Committee would not have been in a position to arrange for some of the business which it has been able to transact. The Committee would here venture to express the opinion that the means at present placed at their disposal are inadequate for the extended work which they might advantageously perform in the interest of British trade, and they would respectfully suggest that their grant should be so increased as to lender less necessary than at present the accumulation of funds before they are in a position to bear the expense of any large or costly undertaking. Some of the objects for which the Committee have utilised the funds placed at their disposal are specified below. A 4 COMMERCIAL INTELLIGENCE COMMITTEE : 5 Application of Funds—Commercial Missions. At a meeting of the Committee, held in December 1901, a Sub-Committee was appointed to consider and report as to the best means of utilising the funds alluded to above, by means of commercial missions or otherwise, and the following gentlemen, viz., Mr. Llewellyn Smith, Mr. Brittain, Mr. Holderness, Sir William Holland, and Sir Albert Rollit, with Mr. Worthington, the Principal of the Intelligence Branch, were appointed as members of this body. This Sub-Committee, after having held several meetings, and procured a good deal of statistical and other information, with special reference to trade conditions in Siberia and Persia, made three reports to the Committee. The first of these, laid before the Committee at a meeting in March 1902, was merely an interim report. In the second, presented at a meeting in November 1902, they recommended—(1) the despatch of a commercial mission to Siberia, to be conducted, with the consent of the Foreign Office, by Mr. H. Cooke, British Commercial Agent at Moscow, with a view to obtain a full report on matters of interest to British trade and enterprise in that region. It was proposed that the mission should extend over a period of about six months—to commence as soon as the winter was over—and that a sum of 500/. should be set aside from the Committee’s funds to defray the travelling and incidental expenses of the mission. (2) That it would be desirable for a similar mission to be despatched to Persia, a definite proposal in this respect being deferred to a subsequent report. (3) That His Majesty’s Consuls in the principal trading centres abroad should be supplied with trade directories of British manufacturing and commercial firms at an estimated cost of about 250l. per annum, and that the Treasury should be asked to sanction this expenditure. And (4) that machinery should be set up in the self-governing Colonies, analogous to that established by the Foreign Office in various foreign countries, by the appointment of Commercial Agents—South Africa and Australia being specially mentioned as being Colonies in which this was particularly desirable. It was suggested that a sum of 500Z. a year, subsequently increased to £600, should be set aside by the Committee for the first two or three years towards defraying the expense involved by this last recommendation. These recommendations were agreed to, and the commercial mission to Persia was entrusted to Mr. H. W. Maclean, late of the Imperial Bank at Teheran. The total cost of this mission, including travelling, remuneration, and all other charges, was put at 1,050/. Board of Trade Mission to South Africa. It will be recollected that at about the same time that the Committee arrived at these decisions the Board of Trade had thought it advisable, in view of the revival of trade in South Africa following the conclusion of the war and the desirability of retaining as large a share as possible of that trade for the Mother Country, to despatch a Commercial Commissioner to this quarter, Mr. Henry Birchenough, formerly President of the Macclesfield Chamber of Commerce, being selected for this purpose. Mr. Birch enough’s report to the Board has been published during the last few months and has attracted a very considerable amount of attention. The mission was not undertaken at the cost of the Committee, but advantage was taken of Mr. Birchenough’s visit to South Africa to include in his instructions a reference to the selection of Trade Correspondents, Mr. Birchenough being requested to ascertain the names of suitable persons who would be willing to act in this capacity for the Intelligence Branch. Appointment of Trade Correspondents in South Africa. In pursuance of Mr. Birchenough’s recommendations in this connection five Trade Correspondents have been appointed, who will, in accordance with the Committee’s decision mentioned above, be remunerated during the first two or three years by annual fees paid out of the sum set aside by the Committee for this purpose. The names of the gentlemen appointed in the various parts REPORT. d of South Africa are given in Appendix C. The duties of these Correspondents consist in the main of answering, to the best of their ability, inquiries addressed to them by the Intelligence Branch or by individual traders ; reporting changes in customs duties and customs regulations and in commercial legislation generally ; notifying changes in ihe general financial conditions of local trade and in circumstances likely to affect it, e.g., condition of crops, accumulation of stocks, terms of credit, &c ; furnishing prompt information as to probable execution of public works and as to calls for tenders ; and reporting on the growth of foreign competition in the markets of the Colonies, the establishment of new industries, the development of means of communication, and other matters of commercial or industrial interest. It has to be mentioned, however, that these Correspondents in no way supersede those appointed by the Colonial Governments themselves. The Committee feel, however, that present arrangements in regard to these appointments ought not to be looked upon as affording a permanent settlement of the matter, even in respect of South Africa. Something analogous ought to be done with regard to several other Colonies, but it is manifest that in order to enable the proposal to be effectively carried out some special appropriation by Parliament will be necessary. The funds of the Committee, meagre and temporary as they are, ought not to be charged with expenses of this nature, and it is thought that, although the Committee have offered to bear the expense of remunerating these Correspondents for the first two or three years, the charge is one of which they should be relieved as soon as possible unless their Grant in Aid can be largely increased. Siberian and Persian Missions. With regard to the commercial missions to Siberia and Persia which have been undertaken, it should be mentioned that Messrs. Cooke and Maclean had interviews with several of the important Chambers of Commerce before their departure. In order to facilitate the work in connection with both missions, the Foreign Office was communicated with in order to secure for Messrs. Cooke and Maclean such assistance as H.M. Diplomatic and Consular Officers could render. The India Office was also communicated with in regard to the Persian mission with a similar object. Mr. Cooke, after visiting London and St. Petersburg, left on his mission on 25th May 1903, and Mr. Maclean left London for Persia on the 16th January 1903. The instructions for the conduct of these missions were very similar in character, and to a certain extent followed those under which Mr. Birchenough’s mission to South Africa and Mr. Worthington s mission oí 1897—8 to South America were conducted. Briefly, the principal points to which the Commissioners were instructed to devote attention were as follow :— yd; The amount of import and export trade done by Siberia and Persia respectively ; the countries with which it is carried on ; and the articles dealt in. (b) The extent and degree of effectiveness of foreign competition with British trade, with special reference to classes of articles at present Jargely supplied by foreign countries. (c) The openings which exist or might be created for a remunerative trade in British goods not at present being imported to an appreciable extent ; the reasons why such trade has not hitherto been done or has been restricted ; and the probable extent of the trade that might be done. (d) The means and cost of transport of goods from foreign markets ; the trade routes in the country ; the cost and means of internal transport ; the effect of foreign bounties and drawbacks on the trade done. (?) The natural and other products of the country for which a market might be found in the United Kingdom. E 31200. B 10 COMMERCIAL INTELLIGENCE COMMITTEE : (/ ) The commercial and industrial centres of the country, and the area, population, and industries of the regions they draw from or supply. (g) The terms of credit given by foreign traders ; coinage ; exchanges ; postal routes ; commercial representation ; warehousing facilities, &e. (h) The customs regulations; legal procedure in commercial matters; piracy of trade marks ; false indication of origin, &c. It should be added, with regard to the Persian Mission, that in view of the importance of the region of the Persian Gulf commercially, the Committee have thought it desirable to extend Mr. Maclean’s commission somewhat, and he was accordingly requested to proceed to Muscat immediately on the conclusion of his Persian business. Mr. Maclean is now prosecuting his inquiries in the Muscat region. The extension will, of course, involve some additional charge on the Committee’s funds. A certain amount of information in the shape of preliminary reports and memoranda has been received by the Committee from both Mr. Cooke and Mr. Maclean. So far as this information is of general interest, and not of a confidential character, it has been published in notices in the “ Board of Trade Journal ” and in the “ Board of Agriculture Journal.” Reference may be particularly made to the following :— “Board of Trade Journal ” for 5 November 1903, pages 254-5. “ Board of Trade Journal ” for 31 December 1903, pages 636-9. “ Board of Agriculture Journal ” for December 1903, pages 370-8. Further reports, including a general report on the Persian Mission, are now in the press, and the Committee propose to publish them shortly for the information of the commercial classes generally. A general report on the Siberian Mission is expected shortly, as is also a report with regard to the Muscat region, and these, when received, will be dealt with in the same way. Other Business of Committee. The Committee have further to report that their proceedings have not been confined to the matters referred to in the Minute of their appointment, or in the recommendations of the Departmental Committee of 1897. The Board of Trade have recognised the advantage of having at hand an advisory body versed in commercial affairs from both the practical and official points of view, and at the same time in close connection with representative ­ commercial bodies, which they might consult in matters of urgent importance to the foreign trade of the country, such as the tariff changes recently enacted or proposed in various Continental States in anticipation of the approaching expiration of the whole series of Central European commercial ­ treaties, As a consequence the Committee have been called upon to consider, and to obtain the opinions of the commercial community upon, the new German Customs tariff enacted in December 1902 ; the new Russian Customs tariff enacted in January 1903 ; and the proposed new Austro-Hungarian Customs tariff, which is now before the legislatures of Austria and Hungary. They have more recently been called upon to deal in the same way with the new Swiss tariff and with the proposed tariffs of Roumania and the Netherlands. 71 .i'l r ^ _ New German Customs Tariff. With regard to the new German tariff, statements as to the nature of the proposals alleged to be in contemplation were brought to the notice of the Committee at a meeting on the 19th April 1901 in order to elicit their views with regard thereto. The Committee appointed a Sub-Committee, consisting of Mr. Brittain, Mr, Craig Brown, Mr. (now Sir) W. H. Holland, and Sir Alfred Hickman, with instructions to report for their information a : : ; . ; o REPORT. J'ïff- », ¡ ï upon these alleged proposals, and the assistance of the Association of Chambers of Commerce was also invited. Ultimately, a preliminary report founded on the recommendations of the Committee was communicated through the Foreign Office to His Majesty’s Ambassador at Berlin, and the Committee understand that the substance of it was brought under the notice of the Herman Government. On the actual publication of the official version of the new tariff it was decided to invite the views of the leading Chambers of Commerce as to its probable effect on the manufacturing and trading interests of their respective districts if enacted in the form in which it had been issued. A summary of the replies of the Chambers and a report giving prominence to the main features brought out by this summary were duly prepared, and the substance of the report was communicated to the Herman Government through the usual official channels. A copy of the report is annexed (Appendix D.). New Russian and proposed new Austro-Hungarian Tariffs. More recently the Committee have been called upon to consider the new Russian and the proposed new Austro-Hungarian tariffs, these having been referred to the Committee for consideration at a meeting on the 17th June 1903. In these cases also the procedure of inquiry and report by a Sub-Committee of members representing commercial interests was again adopted. Inquiries were made by the Sub-Committee among the Chambers of Commerce and a number of other representative commercial bodies, and the India and Colonial Offices were communicated with in order to elicit the opinions of the Indian and Colonial Governments upon the same subjects. The replies received were summarised as in the case of the Herman tariff, and after these had been duly considered a report was framed for presentation to the Board of Trade. This has now been communicated to the Foreign Office, with a view to its recommendations being brought before the Russian and Austro - Hungarian Governments. A copy of the report is annexed (Appendix E.). Grant to Society of Comparative Legislation. One more matter remains to be mentioned. A communication from the Society of Comparative Legislation was laid before the Committee at a meeting on the 17th June 1903, applying for some financial assistance from the Committee’s funds on the ground that its work, which was being carried on without monetary aid from any quarter and as a self-imposed task, would, as regards commercial legislation, be of use and value to the Committee. After consideration of the matter, the Committee intimated that they would be prepared to grant a sum of 100Z. towards the Society’s funds on the understanding that the Society should take up, in connection with its work of examining the legislation of various countries and publishing summaries thereof, subjects of a nature in which the Committee is interested^and furnish copies of its publications for their use. The conditions were agreed to and the grant was accordingly made. At the request of the Society the Board of Trade have nominated Mr. H. Llewellyn Smith, C.B., the Comptroller-General of the Commercial, Labour, and Statistical Department of the Board, and Deputy Chairman of the Committee, a member of the Council of the Society. Conclusion. In conclusion, the Committee trust that they have done some useful work in the interest of the Board of Trade and of the commercial public, and that the funds which have been placed at their disposal have been administered to advantage. Their term of office ends on March 31st, 1905, but they cannot help thinking that the assistance which such a Committee may be able to render to the Board of Trade in the event of its being reappointed may become more and more valuable in view of the complexities of the position in regard to impending changes in foreign tariffs, the fluctuations of our foreign trade, and the exigencies of competition, especially if, as they hope, the annual grant at their disposal is renewed and substantially increased. B 2 12 COMMERCIAL INTELLIGENCE COMMITTEE : The Committee cannot conclude their Report without recording their high appreciation of the services of Mr. Thomas Worthington, the principal of the Commercial Intelligence Branch of the Board of Trade, to whose zeal and discretion, combined with practical commercial experience, the success already attained by the Branch is largely due. They look forward to a wide extension of the utility of the Branch under Mr. Worthington’s administration in its new and more convenient premises in the City. The Committee also wish to acknowledge their deep indebtedness to their Secretary, Mr. G. J. Stanley, who has given them most valuable help throughout the whole period covered by this Report, and whose exceptional knowledge, especially with regard to tariff matters, has been of the greatest possible assistance to them in their deliberations. We have, &c. (Signed) A. E. BATEMAN (Chairman). H. LLEWELLYN SMITH (Deputy Chairman). AVEBURY. STRATHCONA. FREDERICK BRITTAIN. T. CRAIG-BROWN. WYNDHAM R, DUNSTAN. C. ALEXANDER HARRIS. ALFRED HICKMAN. T. W. HOLDERNESS. W. H. HOLLAND. ALGERNON LAW. ALBERT K. ROLLIT. G. W. WOLFF. Geo. J. Stanley (Secretary). Board of Trade, 24 March, 1904. APPENDIX A. 13 APPENDIX A. Copy of Notice sent to Mayors of Boroughs, Chambers of Commerce, and Free Libraries, and to the Indian and Colonial Governments, for distribution. (See p. 4.) “ The New Commercial Intelligence Branch of the Board of Trade. “ The Intelligence Branch of the Commercial Department of the Board “ of Trade has been established with a view to meet the constantly “ increasing demand for prompt and accurate information on commercial “ matters, so far as it can be met by Government action. In deciding “ to establish this new branch, the Board of Trade have been largely “ influenced by the recommendations contained in the Report of a “ Departmental Committee composed not only of representatives of the “ various Government Departments concerned, but also of prominent “ representatives of commercial interests, which was appointed by Mr. “ Ritchie, the President of the Board, in July, 1897. The Committee “ referred to was requested to consider and advise (1) as to the best means “ of collecting and of disseminating among those interested prompt and “ accurate information upon commercial subjects, and (2) as to the collection “ of samples, especially of goods of foreign manufacture competing with “ British productions, and the exhibition of such samples to manufacturers 44 and traders in this country. As a result of their deliberations the “ Committee recommended under head (1) the establishment of a new “ office, under the Board of Trade, on lines which the Board have followed “ generally in the creation of the Intelligence Branch, and this Branch “ is consequently intended to become a centre at which information on “ all subjects of commercial interest shall be collected and focussed in a “ form convenient for reference. In addition, it will be the duty of the “ Branch, as far as circumstances permit, to afford information in reply “ to all inquiries on commercial matters which may be addressed to it, “ whether written or verbal. “The new office which is temporarily housed at No. 50, Parliament “ Street, London, S.W., was opened on the 23rd October, 1899 ; its principal “ officer (under the Comptroller-General of the Commercial, Statistical, and Labour Departments of the Board of Trade) being Mr. T. Worthington, “ who recently acted as Special Commissioner to the Board in an inquiry “ into the condition and prospects of British trade in certain South American “ countries. The ‘ Intelligence Branch ’ will endeavour, on application being “ made to it, to supply information with regard to the following subjects, “ viz. :—Commercial Statistics; Matters relating to Foreign and Colonial “ Tariffs; Excise and 4 Consumption’ duties; Port, Harbour, and Tonnage dues, 44 and other charges on Shipping ; Customs Regulations ; Consular Fees ; Forms “ of Certificates of Origin ; Regulations concerning Commercial Travellers ; “ Trading Licences; Foreign and Colonial Contracts open to Tender; Foreign 44 and Colonial Bounties ; Lists of Firms engaged in particular lines of business 44 in different localities ; fyc., §c. An Inquiry Room, at which copies of 44 official publications, directories, and other works of reference may be con-“ suited, is reserved at the offices of the Branch for the convenience of 44 personal applicants. 44 The 4 Board of Trade Journal ’ will be the principal medium through “ which intelligence collected by the Branch and intended for general infor-44 mation will be conveyed to the public. The journal, which has up to the 14 present been issued monthly at the price of 0d. is now issued weekly at the 44 price of 1 d. 44 It is intended shortly to give effect to the recommendations of the 44 Committee referred to above in respect of the collection and exhibition of 44 samples, and the arrangements necessary to enable this to be done are now 44 under the consideration of the Board of Trade.” COMMERCIAL INTELLIGENCE COMMITTEE : 14 . APPENDIX B. Copy of Circular sent by the Colonial Office to the various Colonial Governments at the instance of the Commercial Intelligence Committee. (See p. 5.) Sir, Downing Street, 30th March 1901. On the 26th of July 1897, the Board of Trade appointed a Committee to consider and advise as to the best means of bringing to the knowledge of traders in this country the information furnished by Consuls, Commercial Attachés, representatives of the Colonies and other officers as to the supply and demand and other conditions of the markets in their respective districts, and to report how far arrangements could be made for the exhibition of trade samples in London or in provincial trade centres. This Committee reported in July 1898, and, after full consideration of their report, a copy of which is enclosed, and in pursuance of one of the principal suggestions made in it, a Commercial Intelligence Branch of the Board of Trade was opened in October 1899. 2. With a view to ensuring that the new Branch should be kept as far as possible in touch with all those interested in its efficiency, and in order to obtain advice of the widest possible scope upon questions of commercial interest, the President of the Board of Trade appointed a consultative or advisory Committee consisting of the members mentioned in the Minute of which a copy is enclosed.* 3. At the instance of this Committee I now enclose copies of a leafletf in which the origin of the new Commercial Intelligence Branch and its objects are set out in some detail ; and I would ask that the leaflet may be brought prominently under the notice of the Chambers of Commerce and all others interested in trade in the Colony under your Government. 4. It is hoped that benefit may result from a proper use of this Intelligence Branch, not merely to the trade of the United Kingdom, but also to the trade of the Empire at large, and I invite the cordial assistance of the Colony under your Government in the endeavour of the advisory Committee to bring the branch thoroughly into touch with all representative bodies of British commercial men. 5. A great deal of valuable information is at the disposal of Chambers of Commerce both in this country and in the Colonies, but this information is intended primarily for their own members, whereas it is desired to place as far as possible within the reach of every individual all available particulars which may be of use to him, and through him to the community at large. There is, therefore, room for the Government to supplement private effort in the collection and dissemination of commercial information. ij' , 6. It is desirable at the outset to centralise and reduce to a system the information which already exists. Such information is collected in this country through the representatives of the self-governing Colonies, the various Chambers of Commerce, and the Imperial Institute, and in foreign countries through His Majesty’s Diplomatic and Consular Representatives. 7. The High Commissioner for Canada, the Agents General for the Australasian and South African Colonies, and the Chambers of Commerce have shown every readiness to help the work of the new office ; and arrangements ­ have already been made with the Imperial Institute to co-operate in giving information with regard to inquiries of a technical character, and. should the need arise, in the matter of the exhibition and disposal of samples of such foreign manufactures as compete with British made goods ; but this does not fully supply the want of a properly organised system of interchanging commercial intelligence between the United Kingdom and the Colonies. 8. The inquiries which, from time to time, reach the Colonial Office or the Board of Trade, and those inquiries which have, so far, been addressed * See page 1. | See Appendix A. : liänv APPENDIX B. ■iOO 15 T — ; .t- " ' r. o . I ; , . B 4 directly to the new Intelligence Branch are most varied and minute. Besides the ordinary queries as to customs duties, trade mark legislation, &c., they raise many points of commercial law and practice ; they include questions as to the condition of markets and openings for new ventures in all parts of the world, particularly in the British Colonies ; as well as questions relating to the names of traders and the different classes of goods for which there is a demand ; they also have reference to the opportunities for tendering for public and municipal works and contracts. The Governments of the Colonies will no doubt gladly give material aid in the collection of this information. 9. The object to be aimed at is twofold— (a) The regular transmission to this country of such commercial information as will, if possible, anticipate inquiries. (ô) The establishment of a recognised system under which such inquiries as cannot be answered in the Intelligence Branch may be referred to the Colony to which they relate. 10. As regards the first of these objects, it has been suggested to me, and I would suggest to your Government, that each Colonial Government should be asked to communicate by telegraph if the matter is important, or at any rate by the first mail—in the case of the self-governing Colonies through the Agent-General’s Office—all changes in the tariff and all alterations of laws which may affect trade. 11. In any case all reports which bear on the trade and production of a Colony should be promptly and regularly transmitted, and every effort should be made to improve these reports, whether they are what are known as the Blue Book reports, or special compilations of the nature contemplated by paragraph 20 of the Be port of the Commercial Intelligence Committee of 1897. 12. With regard to the second object, I would ask you and your advisers to consider whether arrangements can be made in the Colony under your Government to charge some one officer with the duty of receiving and answering the various inquiries which may be addressed to him, either officially by the new Commercial Intelligence Branch in this country, or unofficially by merchants and others who may seek advice direct ; in the latter case the Intelligence Branch should be kept duly informed in the event of similar inquiries being put to them. 13. In the case of the self-governing Colonies it will no doubt be desired that all inquiries which are referred to the Colony should be referred through the Office of its representative in this country. , I have, &c. (Signed) J. CHAMBERLAIN. ;¡ís-;0 ft Î.W ■?&}'■}*' l ai , i : 16 COMMERCIAL INTELLIGENCE COMMITTEE: APPENDIX C. List of Commercial Attachés and Commercial Agents of the Foreign Office in Foreign Countries, and of the Correspondents of the Commercial Intelligence Branch of the Board of Trade in the Colonies. (A.) His Majesty's Commercial Attachés— Sir Henry Austin Lee, K.C.M.G., O.B., British Embassy, Paris—for Prance and Belgium. Mr. William Shaw Harriss-Gastrell, British Embassy, Berlin—for Germany, Denmark, Holland, Sweden and Norway. Mr. Herbert William Broadley Harrison, British Embassy, Madrid—for Spain and Portugal. Mr. Ernest Weakley, British Embassy, Constantinople—for European and Asiatic Turkey and Bulgaria. Mr. Andrew Percy Bennett, British Embassy, Vienna—for Austria-Hungary, Italy, and Greece. Mr. James William Jamieson, c/o British Consulate-General, Shanghai— for China. (B.) Commercial Agents appointed by the Foreign Office— Mr. H. A. Cooke, 17, Malaia Dimitrovka, Moscow. Mr. J. C. Milligan, c/o British Consulate-General, Zurich. Mr. E. Seymour Bell, 196, La Salle Street, Chicago. Mr. E. H. Melville, c/o British Legation, Guatemala. *Mr. E. S. Schwabe, British Commercial Agency, Vladivostock. (C.) Agents designated by the Governments oj the various Colonies to anstcer commercial inquiries, fyc. (see p. 5)— Name of Colony. Officer Designated. Antigua Bahamas Barbados Basutoland - Bechuan aland Protectorate. ­ Bermuda - British Guiana British Honduras British North Borneo - Dominica - Falkland Islands - Fiji - Gambia - - Gibraltar Gold Coast Grenada Hong-Kong J amaica Lagos Mauritius Montserrat Natal - New Zealand St. Kitts-Nevis St. Lucia The Treasurer, Antigua. The Colonial Secretary, Nassau. The Colonial Secretary, Bridgetown. The Government Secretary, Maseru. Mr. Vernon Eason, Francistown. The Colonial Secretary, Bermuda. The Controller of Customs, Georgetown. The Colonial Secretary, Belize. The Superintendent of Customs, Sandakan. The Treasurer, Dominica. The Colonial Secretary, Stanley. The Assistant Colonial Secretary, Suva. The Collector of Customs, Bathurst. The Colonial Secretary, Gibraltar. The Colonial Secretary, Accra. The Collector of Customs, Grenada. The Harbour Master, Hong-Kong. The Colonial Secretary, Kingston. The Colonial Secretary, Lagos. The Collector of Customs, Port Louis. The First Treasury Officer, Montserrat. The Collector of Customs, Durban. The Secretary for Industries and Commerce, Wellington, New Zealand, The Assistant Treasurer, St. Kitts. The Administrator, St. Lucia. * Is absent and not likely to return at present owing to the war. APPENDIX C. 17 Name of Colony. Officer Designated. St. Vincent Seychelles Sierra Leone - Southern Nigeria Straits Settlements Trinidad - Victoria Virgin Islands Transvaal Orange River Colony The Supervisor of Customs, St. Vincent. The Administrator, Seychelles. The Colonial Secretary, Freetown. The Secretary to the Government, Old Calabar. The Registrar of Imports and Exports, Singapore. The Collector of Customs, Trinidad. The Secretary to the Premier of Victoria, Melbourne. The Commissioner, Virgin Islands. Hon. R. H. Brand, High Commissioner’s Office, ^ Johannesburg. Mr. J. H. Meiring, Collector of Customs, Bloemfontein. (V.) Colonial Correspondents of the Commercial Intelligence Branch (see p. 9)— At Cape Town, Mr. E. J. Cat-toll, Secretary of the Cape Town Chamber of Commerce. At Port Elizabeth, Mr. H. I. Rowbotham, of Messrs. Rowbotham and Co., Port Elizabeth. At Johannesburg, Mr. C. A. Treemer, D.S.O. At Bloemfontein, Mr. R. J. Dumaresq and Mr. C. S. Lowndes, Inspectors for the Land Settlement Board. At Durban, Mr. A. D. 0. Agnew, of the Customs Department. K 31200. c 18 COMMERCIAL INTELLIGENCE COMMITTEE : APPENDIX D. Copy of Report by the Committee to the Board of Trade respecting the German Tariff. (See p. 11.) TO THE PRESIDENT OF THE BOARD OF TRADE. Sir, WE have had under consideration the draft of the new German Customs Tariff Bill and the question of its probable effect, if enacted in its original shape, on the trade and industry of this country, which matters have been submitted to us for opinion. We have also had before us a statement comparing the existing and proposed new rates of import duties in Germany on the principal articles of export from the United Kingdom to that country, which was prepared for our use by the Board of Trade, and has since been published as a Parliamentary paper ; and we have consulted the principal Chambers of Commerce throughout the kingdom, as well as some other important trade organisations, as to their views with regard to the probable bearing of the tariff upon the trades and industries of their respective districts. We attach a copy of the tariff statement referred to, and a copy of a summary of the replies received from the Chambers of Commerce, &c. to the inquiries we addressed to them.* Before offering any observations on the details of the proposed tariff as officially published, we may mention that we have been given to understand that a memorandum embodying the main features of our Report of May 17th, 1901, which was based on preliminary information only, was duly brought before the German Government. On the whole, the observations we made in that Report hold good now, the changes proposed in the Tariff Bill, so far as regards the points we then dealt with, confirming generally the information upon which our observations were founded. We also understand that a memorial from the Association of Chambers of Commerce, a copy of which is appended, was brought under the notice of the German Government officially in October last, with an intimation that their tariff proposals were regarded with grave apprehension in this country, and with an expression of the hope that, in the best interests of the commercial ­ relations of the United Kingdom and Germany, the recommendations contained in it might receive favourable consideration. We may say at once that a closer consideration of the full details of the Tariff Bill, as officially published, has in no way mitigated the apprehensions to which the earlier statements as to what was in contemplation ­ gave rise. Indeed, the more extended range of our inquiries among commercial bodies on this occasion, and the more exhaustive examination of the proposals those bodies have been able to make, show that the opinion is strongly held on every hand that if the Bill be enacted in anything like the shape in which it has been laid before the German legislature, the result on our export trade to Germany, and also, perhaps, not less on German export trade to the United Kingdom, will be most prejudicial. Any restriction upon or impediment in the way of international trade in one direction, such as a large and general increase of customs duties necessarily implies, can hardly fail to have some effect in restricting trade in the other direction, and there can be no question that in respect of a large number of articles of importance in the British export trade to Germany the draft tariff proposes to raise the German import duties to an extent which would entail detrimental effects upon the trade of both nations. The official British trade statistics show that the value of the direct imports into this country from Germany on the average of the three years * Not printed. Appendix d.—report on german tariff. 19 1899-1901 was over 31 million £, while the direct exports of British produce ­ from this country to Germany was under 26 million £. For the three years 1879-81, 20 years ago, the corresponding figures were, imports 23 million £, exports 18 million £; while 10 years ago (in 1889-91) the averages were, imports 27 million £, exports 19 million £. The increase in our imports from Germany in the 20 years has been 8 million £, or 35 per cent, on the average, and in our exports to Germany 7 million £, or 39 per cent, it is clear, therefore, that both countries have reaped considerable advantages from the condition of affairs hitherto existing, advantages which have by no means been diminished on either side by the German tariff reductions established by the operation of the commercial treaties concluded by Germany in 1892. As matters stand, too, we are among Germany's best customers, 12 per cent, of Germany’s import trade (according to the German official trade statistics for 1898-1900), and 19 per cent, of her export trade, being trade with the United Kingdom, It would appear, therefore, from all these figures that Germany has more to lose by placing restrictions in the way of the development of the trade between the two countries, which is being carried on to the mutual advantage of both, than the United Kingdom has, especially when it is seen from the British trade statistics that our direct imports from Germany only amount to about 6 per cent, of our whole import trade, and our direct exports of our own produce to Germany to only about 9 per cent, of our whole export trade in such produce. Into the matters of internal policy which may have weighed with the German Government in proposing some of the increased rates of the draft tariff, we cannot, of course, enter ; nor is it our business to inquire how far that Government may have been influenced in their proposals by the pressure felt by German traders (and felt equally by British traders) of increased and protective duties in other markets. Two facts, however, cannot be too strongly insisted upon, viz., that no duties of customs are levied in this country for protective purposes, and that in no Other country are German products and German trade treated as favourably as they are in the United Kingdom. As a mere matter of equity it must be urged that it would be unreasonable for Germany to penalise British trade on account of the impediments placed in the way of the development of her own trade by other nations, and it would similarly seem to be inequitable, in the circumstances, to mete out to British trade the same treatment as that accorded to the trade of countries such as the United States, which levy heavy protective duties on German goods. The impression, however, has certainly obtained a footing in this country that some of the new German tariff proposals have been specially framed to hit British trade, and an examination of the facts in some lines would tend to afford ground for such a belief. We append a statement showing in detail some of the principal paragraphs of the draft tariff to which exception is taken by British manufacturers and merchants, and comparing the proposed new rates of duty with those which are at present in existence. A merely casual glance at this statement, which shows that the rates of duty on most of the articles mentioned are proposed to be largely increased, and, in some instances, advanced to quite a prohibitive ­ point, will serve to explain the impression-alluded to above, which has undoubtedly afforded additional support to the arguments and representations ­ of the advocates in this country of some form of retaliation. Resolutions in favour of the adoption of a policy of retaliation on German trade have even reached us from some important Chambers of Commerce. It is no part of our function, and it is certainly foreign to our intention, to offer any criticism upon the policy of protection adopted either by the German or any other Government. But it is difficult to see on what grounds the increased protection now proposed to be given on many important groups of articles can be justified from the German point of view,"or what benefit, at least to the German State revenue, can be expected to result from it. We take as examples the three most important groups of manufactured articles in British export trade—cotton tissues, woollen tissues, and iron and steel goods. According to German official statistics, the quantities of cotton piece-goods C 2 20 COMMERCIAL INTELLIGENCE COMMITTEE : imported into and exported from Germany in each of the last five years for which we have information have been— Years, 1896 1897 1898 1899 1900 Imports, Million kilogs. 2-7 7-8 6 0 5*9 6 1 Exports. Million kilogs. 20 1 216 217 23 1 25 6 On the average of these five years Germany has exported under existing conditions four times as much in the way of cotton piece goods as she has imported. Even from the Protectionist point of view these figures afford a strong argument against the need for further protection by increased duties on imports. As to woollen tissues (cloths and stuffs), the German official figures of importa and exports in the same five years are as follow :— Years 1896 1897 1898 1899 1900 Imports. Million kilogs. 20 15 1-7 17 2 0 Exports. Million kilogs. 25 2 23 7 219 215 22 7 Here again the exports under existing conditions have been about 13 times the imports on the average of the five years. As to finished iron and steel—that is, all forms of iron and steel except pig and scrap iron, but including cutlery, firearms, and machinery— the figures are — Years. 1896 1897 1898 1899 1900 Imports. Million kilogs. 84*2 103-7 115-9 164-0 156-0 Exports. Million kilogs. 1,325-7 1,264-0 1,353 8 1,274-7 1,358-1 These figures tell a similar tale to those quoted above. The exports in the five years have been nearly 11 times the imports on the average, and no case can be based upon this statement for increased protection. Instances of this sort might easily be multiplied, both as regards other descriptions of goods (e.g., earthen and china ware) and as regards details of the groups of articles referred to above {e.g., hosiery, iron wire, sheet steel, &c.). We assume that the object of the proposed increase in duties is either to obtain additional revenue for the State or to afford additional protection to German manufactures. But it will be admitted that the increase of duties beyond a certain point necessarily entails a reduction and not an increase of State revenue; while the necessity of further protection in the three great groups of articles to which we have referred seems to be effectually disposed of by the figures we have quoted. Whatever was the intention in framing the new scale of duties, however, the result as regards cotton, woollen, and iron goods would apparently be to give a virtual monopoly of the home market to German manufacturers, who, in the absence of outside competition, and by means of combinations, would be enabled to fix home prices at their own will, while the German consumer would have to bear 'APPENDIX D.—REPORT ON GERMAN TARIFF. 21 C 3 the bulk of the burden. And the general decrease of import trade which might be expected to result from a general rise of price through increase of duties, must, it appears to us, entail a general decline of export trade also, to the further detriment of the German consumer considered as an industrialist. On turning to the appended statement, it will at once be noticed that it is proposed to increase the German import duties on the Gen o e f ra Ä eaSe g rea f mass of articles in which the trade of this country is interested by rates varying from 25 to 100 per cent, and over. In some instances, as in the case of various classes of machinery, the percentage increases on present rates reach almost startling proportions. Moreover, the statement, as will be seen, mentions a number of articles which, although previously free of duty, are now to be charged burdensome rates. And it has to be added that where the proposed increases in duties fall short of the level of 25 per cent., the articles are, in most cases, already supporting as heavy Customs charges as they can well bear. To attempt to particularise in respect of the rates for individual articles would virtually involve a recapitulation of the whole statement which we think should be placed in its entirety before the German Government with a view to obtain reductions in the proposed rates of duty on the articles included in it. But it is not alone in respect of increased duties that the new tariff is viewed with disfavour by our commercial and industrial divfsioïof Tariff community. It has to be pointed out that it proposes to enact an extensive subdivision of some of the more important categories of the existing tariff, and that this, in actual practice, will require intricate calculations, greatly increase the labour of German importers and Customs officials, and unduly impede the course of trade, besides giving occasion for innumerable disputes between importers and the authorities. These obstructions will probably be felt on the German side as much as, if not more than, on our own. Similarly, German manufacturers ­ in several branches of business will appreciate, more than our own, the force of the statement that many articles classed as manufactured, upon which higher duties are now proposed to be charged, are either the materials of, or accessories for, German industries, and that the higher duties will increase the cost of production of the goods in which they are interested. Many instances of this might be given, but the fact is so apparent that we content ourselves by merely directing attention to it. As above stated, we do not propose to discuss in detail the effects of the . suggested rates of duty in respect of any of the articles on^German^ntoests. mentioned ^in the appended statement. We desire, however, ­ to direct attention to some important points in connection with certain of the articles which, as it appears to us, might usefully be considered by the German Government from the point of view of German official and trading interests. As to slate (No. 231), we are advised that the German market has been Slate mainly supplied with roofing slates by the North Wales district for over half a century, and that the North Wales slates have been and are largely used for Government and other public buildings. The average value of the exports of roofing slates from North Wales to Germany is put at 100,000Z. per annum. It has been suggested to us, with regard to the clause of No. 403 of the proposed tariff" relating to tissues composed partly of silk îssues^fWoo and ( not mentioned in the appended statement), that the South of Scotland district produces a speciality in the shape of woollen goods containing a very small portion of silk, which German merchants would find it profitable to buy if the duty (450 marks per 100 kilogs.) were not practically prohibitive. The contention is advanced that woollen goods containing a proportion of not more than 10 or even 5 per cent, of silk should be classed for duty purposes exactly as pure woollen tissues under Tariff No. 430. 22 COMMERCIAL INTELLIGENCE COMMITTEE : With regard to woollen and worsted yarns, it has been represented to us ., _ „ that the proposed increase of duty on yarns made up for Worsted 1 yarn, retail sale (hio. 424) is unnecessary from any point of view. As a measure of protection it is not required, and as a means of increasing revenue it would almost certainly defeat its own object. As to carded woollen yarns (Nos. 422 and 423)—«which are not mentioned in the appended statement—it is pointed out that German spinners can now produce these as cheaply, if not more cheaply, than British spinners, and that it is probable that even if the existing duties on such goods were entirely abolished there would be little or no increase in present exports thereof from the United Kingdom to Germany. If it be assumed that one object which the German Government have had in view in framing their proposed tariff has been to favour their manufacturers by levying only moderate duties on the raw materials for their industries, it will appear as though the existing duties on such goods as these yarns, if not reduced, ought at least not to.be increased, and that it would be mistaken policy to add to them. As to woollen and worsted fabrics we are informed that the duties leviable under the tariff in force on heavy woollen cloths are all Worste^ráS-ics. ^iit prohibitive, and that any increase would make them entirely so. Particular exception, however, is taken to the proposed increase on the class of tissues comprised under Tariff No. 430(6)—. “ tissues weighing more than 200 grammes and up to 700 grammes to the “ square metre." It is asserted that there are almost no woollen tissues imported into Germany under 200 or over 700 grammes per square metre; and the view is taken that, as Germany imports few woollen goods from other countries than the United Kingdom, the proposed increase is aimed principally at this country, which alone among the nations continues to take large quantities of German woollens duty free. The proposed increase of duty is from 135 marks to 175 marks per 100 kilogrammes, equivalent to 30 per cent., and representing in English weights and money a rise of per lb.—from about l\d. to 9^d. per lb. It cannot be expected tnat tnis increase, if adopted, will improve the revenue from import duties : on the contrary, the probability is that imports will diminish in greater proportion than the rise in duty. As to the requirement, from the manufacturers' ­ standpoint, of increased protection, this point has already been effectually dealt with above. But, in addition to the remarks we have already made, we have to direct attention to the further facts that German textile machinery is now equal in productive power and excellence of output to any m use in this or any other country, while in the process of dyeing the Germans have, thanks to their technical skill, an undeniable advantage. German woollen manufacturers, therefore, instead of being at a disadvantage in their home markets, possess considerable advantages as compared with their British competitors, a fact which is amply corroborated by the decrease of British woollen exports to Germany even under existing tariff conditions. Moreover, we are informed that there is a considerable body of opinion even in Germany itself against this proposed increase, especially among merchants who deal in imported goods of the character referred to, and whose business would be injuriously affected by the suggested change.. Coming to cotton yarns, it has to be observed that reductions of duty are Cotton Yarns P ro P osed ™ respect of some of the coarser counts, of which practically no English spinnings are sent to Germany. Having in view, however, the progress of cotton spinning in Germany of late years, both as regards the extent of the industry and the fineness of the counts spun, it might have been expected that the whole scale of duties on cotton yarns, and not a minor part only, would have been reduced. The proposed increase on the finer counts, from No. 60 upwards, as set out in the appended statement, will be prejudicial, not only to English spinners, but also to the German weavers who use such yarns. The natural consequence of tue increases in question, if adopted, will be that German manufacturers of tne finer descriptions of cotton goods, owing to the additional cost of the 3'am which they use, will be less able than formerly to compete in the trade m such goods in foreign markets. / -mu:. APPENDIX D.—REPORT ON GERMAN TARIFF. 23 With regard to cotton fabrics, we are given to understand by those most competent to judge that the complications proposed to Cotton Fabrics, be introduced into the tariff under this head, while especially ­ objectionable from the point of view of British exporters, will inevitably be found to afford a conspicuous example of the difficulties to which we have alluded above, The subdivision of the classes for woven goods, according to the weight per square metre and the number of threads in the square of five millimetres, will give rise to much trouble both to exporters here and importers in Germany, add greatly to the labour of the German Customs officials, cause constant friction and disputes ­ with the authorities, and occasion vexatious delays in trading operations. The rates of duty on all but the coarsest descriptions of unbleached tissues, which are not extensively shipped to Germany, are proposed to be greatly augmented, an augmentation which extends with increased pressure to all tissues other than unbleached. This is apparent from the note which appears in the draft tariff to the effect that ** for the purpose of establishing the “ weight class of dyed and printed tissues, the weight ascertained per square “ metre will be decreased by 15 per cent.” This can only mean that the weight of all dyed or printed tissues, as declared or actually ascertained, will be decreased by 15 per cent, in order to fix the classification for duty according to the unbleached scale, on which additional duties of 50 marks per 100 kilogrammes are to be levied. The deduction of this percentage will have the result in many cases of bringing the dyed or printed goods under a category paying relatively higher duties in the unbleached state, as the lighter the goods the heavier the duty. It has been pointed out to us that the assumption appears to have been made in framing the classification of cotton tissues that printed and dyed goods, as such, weigh more than unbleached goods of corresponding texture, and that such an assumption can only have been made under an entire misapprehension of the facts. We have been furnished with statements which tend to show that the contrary is the case, and that finished—i.e., printed and dyed—goods weigh less than similar goods in the grey and unbleached condition, the difference varying in some cases from 10 to 20 per cent. If this provision be enacted, therefore, exporters of dyed and printed goods will not only have to face a higher tariff and a complicated system of classification, but also a surtax which would seem to have been proposed under a misconception. Moreover, we are further assured that the weight of the same unbleached cloth when dyed or printed in different colours, light or dark, will vary considerably, and that the effect of the provision in question may easily be that the light colours will be subject to one rate of duty and the dark to another. Again, all figured tissues are to be subjected to a surtax of 5 per cent., but the classification of such tissues will be a matter of considerable difficulty, since the counts of yarn used and the degree of closeness of weaving naturally present varieties, even within the small space of a square metre of cloth. It has also been suggested to us that it is more than probable that the increase in the duties on cotton cambrics will have an injurious effect upon the at present flourishing machine-embroidery factories in Saxony, where imported cotton cambrics are extensively used as the material for the embroidery industry. As to linen yarns, we arc informed that the opinion held by the linenweaving ­ trade in Prussia is that the protection afforded Isinen Tarns. to yarn spinners by the present tariff is opposed to their interests, and that the weaving factories, employing ten times as many workers as the spinning mills, with a production of four times the value of the spinners’ output, cannot dispense with British and Bohemian yarns, as neither in quantity nor quality do German spins suffice. As to earthen and chinaware (Nos. 730 to 733 inclusive), our records show that German shipments of these goods to the United ^and^htaa!* -kingdom amount, in value, to three times the British shipments to Germany. The trade in both directions has tended to increase of late years, to the mutual advantage of both countries, the probability being that the German goods have supplied a want felt here as regards shapes, designs, &c., while the British goods have C 4 24 COMMERCIAL INTELLIGENCE COMMITTEE : supplied a similar want in Germany. We are assured that the enactment of increased duties in Germany on British earthen and china wares can only result in strenuous efforts being made by onr home pottery trades to fetter and restrict, as far as in their power, export trade in such wares done by Germany with this country. We have already referred in general terms to the question of the necessity, even from a purely Protectionist point of view, of the and°m£uiirfactures P ro P ose ^ increased duties on iron and steel and manuthereof. factures thereof, including machinery. It may not be out of place to offer a few observations as regards details affecting this and other points to which we have alluded. We are informed from an authoritative source that the discrimination proposed to be set up under No. 785 of the draft tariff between bars weighing more and bars weighing less than one kilogramme, will be vexatious in more ways than one. It will render necessary the opening and weighing of every bundle or package ; it will cost more t o collect than the duties are worth ; and, in addition, it is alleged that it can only have been designed to affect certain small sizes of which our Sheffield district has made a speciality, and upon which the cost of production is already high. It is suggested, too, that steel discs should be specifically included in this class (No. 785) at 2 mks. 50 pfgs? per 100 kilogrammes, as they now are under the existing tariff ; if not so included it is possible that they will be classed under No. 798, with a result equivalent to prohibition of trade in these goods. As to Nos. 786 (ô), 787 (6), and 788 (b), relating respectively to rough sheet iron or steel, sheet iron or steel polished, &c., and tin-plate, all less than 1 millimetre in thickness, the effect of increased duties would appear to be the placing of obstacles in the way of those German home industries which use sheet iron and tin-plate as the materials for their manufacture, by destroying possible competition within moderate limits and with it the only check on monopoly prices. It would seem, moreover, that the fishery, agricultural, and fruit-growing industries of Germany would be likely to be promoted by making tin-plate cheaper instead of dearer, especially as we are informed that the German tin-plate industry is in very few hands and that with duty amounting at present to 2/. 10s. per ton manufacturers have already something approaching a monoply of the home market. As to iron and steel wire (No. 791 of the tariff), it seems difficult to understand the reason for the proposed advances in the duties of from 16§ to 100 per cent., when we find by published records that the exports of iron wire from Germany during 1900 amounted to about 170,000 tons, while the imports during the same year were only about 8,700 tons—a balance in favour of Germany of about 161,000 tons. This proves conclusively that the Germans can not only supply themselves, but send large quantities into the English market at a price with which it is impossible for English manufacturers ­ to compete. The small quantity of wire which is sent into Germany from this country is high-class steel wire, used for special purposes. The export to Germany of this wire has been decreasing for some time, and it is with difficulty that English manufacturers are able, even under existing conditions, to make any sales in Germany. Under the proposed new tariff the trade now done would virtually be prohibited altogether. As touching the interest of German users of wire in the matter, we may refer to the statements ­ contained in the last two paragraphs of our former report respecting the operations of the German Wire Rod Syndicate during the half year to 31st December 1900. The price which the Syndicate is said to have obtained in Germany for wire rods in this period was 12/. 10s. per ton, while the price charged for foreign sales was V. per ton. - In other words, taking 10s. per ton as a fair profit, German consumers had to pay about 21. 3s. per ton above a fair price in order to enable the German manufacturers to export at 21. 4s. per ton under actual cost. The way in which such a state of affairs operates against German industry, leaving aside the tax upon the general community, is shown by the Report of the Wire Nail Trade, dated Dusseldorf, APPENDIX D.—REPORT ON GERMAN TARIFF. 25 March 27th, 1901, in which it was stated, “ the rise is hindered somewhat by “ Dutch and Belgian competitors, especially in the English home trade, “ which is chiefly possible through German rolling mills furnishing them “ cheap raw material.” (Wire nails are, of course, made from wire rods.) The report goes on to say that for the home trade the price of wire nails is 19^ marks per 100 kilogrammes, i.e., 9s. 11 d. per cwt., and for the English market 7s. to 7s. 6d. per cwt. f.o.b. Rotterdam. As to files also (No. 812), it has to be noticed that while the draft tariff proposes to decrease the duties on those over 35 centimetres long, it also proposes to very considerably increase the duties on the smaller sizes. The large files, according to our information, are seldom imported into Germany from the United Kingdom, and it has been represented to us that the increase in the duties on the smaller sizes is evidently intended to destroy such trade from this country in such goods as still exists. The Sheffield Chamber of Commerce assert that they are in a position to produce evidence showing that for several years contracts for files have been taken by Remscheid firms in neutral markets at 20 per cent, cheaper rates than the cost of manufacturing similar articles in this country, a fact which surely seems to indicate that the additional protection proposed to be accorded cannot be required even by the most Protectionist of German manufacturers. Further, with regard to steel pens (No. 840), our information is to the effect that the present German import duty is already so high as to preclude competition in many kinds. In addition, our pen makers allege that a Ministerial decree is in operation in Germany which prohibits all German officials from using imported steel pens, and it would seem therefore that German makers already enjoy all the advantages they can reasonably expect from a protective Government. The raising of the duty still higher would practically shut out Knglish pens from the German market entirely, and at the same time it has to be pointed out that German pens are free of duty here and that no goods of German origin are prohibited in British public offices. Generally speaking, as regards the category of iron and steel and iron and steel wares, we are assured that while the existing tariff is protective the proposed new one would be virtually prohibitive, and it cannot be expected that virtual prohibition would be looked upon with anything but disfavour and resentment by our manufacturers, seeing that competing German goods are imported into this country duty free. Turning to machinery, a glance at the particulars under this head in the appended statement will be sufficient to convince anyone of the drastic nature of the changes, both as regards classification and duties, proposed to be made. As an instance of increase of duty, we may point out that a small machine, weighing about 100 kilogs., of the class falling under No. 904, and consisting largely of cast iron, would under the existing tariff have to pay a duty of 3 marks, whereas under the proposed tariff the same machine would have to bear a duty of 20 marks—more than six times the present rate. As to spinning machinery, the exports from the United Kingdom to Germany in ordinary times are of considerable amount, and a fair business is also done in weaving machinery, although the competition of German machine-making establishments in this branch has of late years been keen. German spinners and manufacturers are said on the whole to prefer British machinery to all others ; consequently, the proposed additions to the duties cannot be a matter of indifference to them. With regard to machine tools, the exports of these to Germany are also of considerable importance. They have hitherto been admitted, if the preponderating material has been of cast iron, at the rate of 3 marks per 100 kilogs., and this duty is proposed to be increased to duties varying from 4 marks to 20 marks per lOO kilogs , according to weight, the heaviest kinds paying the lowest rates. Considerations of freight will prevent a large trade being done in the heavier descriptions, but the increased rates on the lighter kinds, the trade in which is at present a growing one (showing that German makers cannot of themselves supply home requirements), will undoubtedly affect exports of such articles. E 31200. r. 36 COMMERCIAL INTELLIGENCE COMMITTEE : We have here to refer to two matters which do not stand altogether on the same footing as those to which we have hitherto Salt. alluded. The first is in regard to salt (No. 278 of the proposed tariff), At present imports of salt into Germany by sea pay only the internal duty of 12 marks per 100 kilogs., being thus placed on equal terms with salt of native production, while imports by land pay a duty of 80 pfgs. per 100 kilogs. in addition to the internal duty, i.e., 12 • 80 marks per 100 kilogs in all. The effect of the new proposal, if enacted, would be to place all imported salt on the same footing, whether introduced by land or by sea. The imposition of this duty of 80 pfgs. per 100 kilogs. on sea-borne imports, equivalent to 8s. a ton, amounts to about ò0 per cent, upon the delivered price. The importance of salt as ballast is well known, and we are assured that a large part of the export trade of the Baltic ports will be hindered if the tonnage now employed in salt ceases. The export of salt to Germany is principally to the ports of Danzig, Königsberg, ­ and Memel, from which ports exports are alleged to be in excess of imports, so that outward tonnage is necessary for German trade. Moreover, the importance of cheap salt as being necessary to all classes and as a raw material needs no argument. If the proposed tariff, as is generally alleged, is intended to benefit the German agricultural classes, a prohibitory duty on the article seems inconsistent with this object, as salt of moderate price and of the highest quality free competition can render available is essential to prosperity in butter making, curing, and other agrarian pursuits. We are informed that there has always been a demand in Germany for English salt, especially for dairy purposes, English quality being superior to German. This latter statement is supported by the fact that a fair trade in salt is being carried on with Germany at the present time, although in addition to the excise duty, chargeable on British and German salt alike, the British salt has to pay freight. The increase in the duty, if enacted, will of course virtually kill this trade, and its stoppage will not only injuriously affect the German butter-makers and other users of salt, but also that part of both the British and the German shipping industries engaged in the carrying trade between the two countries. And beyond this, it has been estimated that the increase in the German revenue from the additional tax, even should the present trade be undisturbed, would be less than 9,000¿. per annum. The second matter is in regard to straw plait, and in this case the duties are proposed to be reduced. Straw plait, whether in Straw Plait. the raw state or bleached or dyed, now pays 10 marks per 100 kilogs. when imported from countries entitled to most-favoured-nation treatment in Germany, and 18 marks per 100 kilogs. when imported from non-treaty countries, the raw product of a non-treaty country (e.g., China) being admitted at the conventional rate of 10 marks per 100 kilogs. if bleached or dyed in a treaty country (e.g., the United Kingdom). The treatment proposed by the draft tariff is that straw plait in the raw state shall be admitted free, without regard to its origin, and that the bleached or dyed article shall pay 8 marks per 100 kilogs. Aided by the present tariff provisions, a considerable export trade to Germany in plait of Chinese, &c. origin, dyed or bleached in this country, has sprung up in recent years. The free admission of unbleached and undved plait proposed by the new tariff will do away with the advantage under which this trade has become possible, and it is urged by those interested that this will not only be inconvenient to exporters in the United Kingdom, but that it will injuriously affect German hat manufacturers also by lowering the quality of their raw material and restricting them to the few bleachers and dyers in Germany concerned in the straw plait business. It is asserted that the great body of opinion among straw-hat makers in Germany is in favour of a retention of the system of uniform treatment of raw and of bleached or dyed straw plait. In putting forward the foregoing observations we, of course, fully recognise that the proposed tariff, besides being subject to amendment by the German Legislature on points of detail, is to be considered as being largely in the nature of a tarif de combat, and that a good deal of bargaining with other nations, such as Austria-Hungary, Italy, Belgium, and Switzerland, and APPENDIX 1).—REPORT ON GERMAN TARIFF. ‘27 possibly Russia and France also, will take place before the new series of German commercial treaties, to take the place of the existing treaties on their expiration, is negotiated, resulting in further modification of the proposed new rates. But as we already accord to Germany, in the matter of trading privileges, a vast deal more than any of these nations are prepared to give in exchange for tariff concessions, it appears to us specially important that our views with regard to these tariff proposals and their probable effect should be clearly placed before the German Government. In our opinion His Majesty’s Government have an equitable right to expect, if not specially favourable treatment from Germany, at least that their tariff* proposals should not be so framed as to damage our interests. We have the honour to be, Sir, Your obedient servants, [Signed) A. E. BATEMAN [Chairman). H. LLEWELLYN SMITH [Deputy Chairman). AVEBURY. F. A. ABEL. H. G. BERGNE. FREDERICK BRITTAIN. T. CRAIG BROWN. WYNDHAM R. DUNST AN. C. ALEXANDER HARRIS. ALFRED HICKMAN. T. W. HOLDERNESS. W. H. HOLLAND. ALBERT K. ROLLIT. STRATHCONA. G. W. WOLFF. Geo. J. Stanley [Secretary), 26th March 1902. 3 li i) 2 28 COMMERCIAL INTELLIGENCE COMMITTEE : ANNEXES TO REPORT ON GERMAN TARIFF. I. Comparative Statement of the existing and Proposed New Rates of German Import Duties on the Articles of British Produce and Manufacture which appear to be principally affected by the draft German Tariff Bill. No. in Draft Tariff. 164 231 267 284 294 322 324 ex 32 6 327 Rates of Duty. Increase. Articles. Cotton seed oil ----- - Slate in rough blocks - Roofing slates and slate in slabs - Phosphorus, red - ,, yellow - - - - - Carbonate of ammonia - - - Sulphate of copper Red lead ; white lead ... Zinc oxide (zinc white and zinc grey) ; zinc sulphide white (lithopone) Dycwood extracts, solid ; also solid extracts of other vegetable dyestuffs Earth colours :— Chalk, washed ; also powdered chalk Other earth-colours (calcined, ground, or washed coloured earths; also industrial ­ bye-products and waste utilisable as colours, and ores ground up as earth colours), dry or in paste 339 i Oil varnishes, with or without addition of siccatives ; compounds of varnish ; solidified ­ oil ; concentrated linseed oil - 340 Spirit varnishes, with or without the addition ­ of colouring matter ; shellac cement Proposed. Existing. Amount. Per Cent. Mks. pfg. 100 kilogs.12 50 „ 0 25 „ 1 25 ,, 10 00 00 341 404 (b) 407 408 415 424 426 , (a) Lac varnishes, lacquer manufactured without ­ spirit, mixed or not with colouring materials ; ‘ * asphaltlack ” ; solution of colouring material and wax; Japan lacquer - Silk tulle, figured - - - Knitted goods, including tissues :— Wholly of silk - Partly of silk - - - Silk lace of all kinds - Yarns of hair, mixed or not with other materials, bleached, dyed, or printed Yarns of wool or hair, mixed or not with other materials, made up for retail sale - Wares of spun wool or animal hair, mixed or not with vegetable textile materials Knotted (“ geknüpft ”) carpets 00 00 00 2 00 4 00 0 40 Mks. pfg. lOOkilogs. 10 00 Free. lOOkilogs. 0 50 Free. Free. Free. Free. Free. Free. 100 kilogs. 3 00 0 30 Mks. flOO 1 kilogs. 2 „ 0 „ 0 „ 10 „ 5 „ 5 „ 2 „ 1 „ 2 1 0 50 ! Free. 7 00 lOOkilogs. 6 00 30 00 „ 20 00 25 00 „ 20 00 800 00 „ 600 00 : 800 00 „ 600 00 550 00 „ 450 00 ; 800 00 ,, 600 00 5 00 „ 3 00 i 36 00 ,, 24 00 200 00 ,, 100 00 pfg. 50 |} 25 ; 75 00 1 00 j 00 j 00 00 00 00 „ 0 10 „ 0 50 „ 1 oo „ 10 00 „ 5 00 „ 200 00 ,, 200 00 „ 100 00 » 200 03 „ 2 00 ! » 12 00 „ 100 00 : 25 150 33} 33} 16 50 25 33} 33} 22 33} 66} 50 100 D 3 APPENDIX D,—REPORT ON GERMAN TARIFF. 29 No. in Draft Tariff. Articles. Rates of Duty. Proposed. Existing. . Wares of spun wool, &c.—cont.— Close-woven tissues for furniture or upholstery ­ (except velvet and plush and tissues similar thereto), dyed, printed, or woven in colours— 427 In the piece, for sale by measure— Weighing more than 200 grammes to the sq. metre Weighing 200 grammes or less to the sq. metre Note.—Cuttings from piecegoods of or less than 4 metres in length will pay duty under the following class. 428 Made with indication for cutting (as curtains, hangings, coverlets, &c.), with or without edgings or fringes— Weighing more than 200 grammes to the sq. metro - Weighing 200 grammes or less to the sq. metre - 429 Velvet and plush and tissues similar (&) thereto, figured otherwise than by stamping 430 Tissues not included under Nos. 425 to 429— Weighing more than 700 grammes to the sq. metre Weighing more than 200 grammes and up to 700 grammes to the sq. metre - Weighing 200 grammes or less to the sq. metre - 432 Knitted and netted goods unprinted :— Underclothing, cut Ditto shaped in manufacture Other knitted or netted wares, cut or shaped in manufacture 436 Bleached cotton waste (&) 438 I Cotton yarn, single, unbleached :— Above No. 60 and up to No. 79 - „ 79 „ „ 100 - „ 100 451 Cotton tulle, dressed, bleached, dyed, or printed -----Cotton tissues, not included under Nos. 444 to 451 :— 452 Unbleached, weighing 80 grammes or more to the sq. metre, and having— In warp and weft in a square of 5 mm.— 35 threads or less More than 35 and up to 44 threads - „ 44 threads - 453 Ditto, weighing 40 grammes or over, but less than 80 grammes per sq. metre, and having— In warp and weft in a square of 5 mm.— 35 threads or less More than 35 and up to 44 threads ,, 44 threads - 454 Ditto, weighing less than 40 grammes per sq. metre and having— In warp and weft in a square of 5 mm.— 35 threads or less More than 35 and up to 44 threads .. 44 threads - Mks. pfg. Mks. pfg. Increase. Amount. Mks. pfg. 100 kilogs. „ 175 00 „ 250 00 100 kilogs. f 100 kilogs. ,, *135 00 4 *40 00 150 00 , l 220 00 25 00 30 00 250 00 350 00 200 00 135 00 { 175 00 { i 220 00 100 00 140 00 140 00 ! 4 00 ' *135 00 150 00 || 220 00 , 150 00 . *136 00 fl50 00 *135 00 , fl50 00 , 220 00 !| , 100 00 || , 100 00 , 100 00 Free. „*115 00 „ 100 00 „ 130 00 50 00 40 00 25 00 40 00 40 00 ; 4 00 30 oo i loo r ,, 6 36 00 \ kilogs. 24 00 j „ 12 L „ 18 42 00 J 6 00 00 00 250 00 150 00 100 00 I 60 00 80 00 110 00 §25 00 §5 00 25 00 Ü85 5 00 100 00 130 00 160 00 130 00 160 00 180 00 i 15 00 45 00 75 00 45 00 75 00 95 00 Per Cent. * Unprinted. t Printed. § Decrease. + This is the rate for unbleached close-woven tissues, except coverlets, felted cloth for paper factcxies, and cut velvets. *30 16§ 14 *85 66g 59 33& §15 00 Decrease. 30 16% 40 40 25 50 75 66§ Decrease. Decrease. 29& 17& 53 88 53 88 112 30 COMMERCIAL INTELLIGENCE COMMITTEE i No. in Draft ! Tariff. 1 Articles. Kates of Duty. Increase. Proposed. Existing. Amount. Per Cent. Cotton tissues, &c.—cont. 455 Dressed, bleached - Mks. pfg. Mks. pfg. Mks. pfg. 20 marks per 100 100 kilogs.*! 00 00 kilogs. above the duty on unbleached ­ tissues. 456 Dyed, printed, woven in two colours . Note.—For the purpose of establishing ­ the weight-class of dyed and printed tissues, the weight ascertained per sq. metre will be decreased by 15 per cent. 457 Woven in more than two colours - 50 marks per 100 ") kilogs. above the duty on un- | bleached tissues. 458 i 459 460 463 472 473 ' Note to Nos. 452/7.—Figured tissues are subject to a surtax of 5 per cent. Knitted and netted stuffs Knitted and netted wares :— Gloves, hair-nets Stockings, socks, underclothing— Cut - - . . i Shaped in manufacture Knitted and netted wares, cut, or shaped in manufacture, not otherwise tariffed Linen yarns, mixed or not with jute, but without admixture of other materials :— Single, unbleached— Up to No. 8, English Above No. 8 and up to No. 14 >> » 14 „ ,, 20 - M , » 20 ,, „ 35 r ^ » ,, 75 - » ,, 75 - - . _ Single, bleached, dyed, or printed-Up to No. 20, English Above No. 20 and up to No. 35 » » 35 „ ,,75 70 marks per 100 1 kilogs. above the duty on unbleached ­ tissues. lOOkilogs.lOO 00 180 00 100 00 140 00 100 00 6 00 7 00 7 50 10 00 13 00 §Y a r y i n g, appar ently, from 30 mks. to 100 mks. perlOOkilogs. according to class ; but see note in Ool. 2 as to method of fixing classification. ­ ( §Va ryi ng, apparently, from 40 mks. to 110 mks. perlOOkilogs, according to class ; but see note in Ool. 2 as to method of fixing classification. ­ § V a r y í n g from 60 mks. to 130 mks. per 100 kilogs., ac-. cording to L class. 95 00 lOOkiIogs.5 § Varying from 30 per cent, to 100 per cent., according ­ to class. § Varying from 334 per cent, to 92 per cent., according to class. f!20 00 Free. 481 483 (») Jute yarn without admixture of other materials, of one or more threads :— Unbleached— Up to No. 8, English Above No. 8 and up to No. 14 - „ „ 14 „ „ 20 >» ,, 20 ,, ,, 35 Linen, hemp, jute, &c., yarns without admixture of other textile materials, prepared for retail sale :— Twisted, of two or more threads Sewing thread Other kinds 100 kilogs. 13 00 „ 16 00 „ 21 00 » 8 60 5 00 6 00 7 00 95 00 95 00 95 00 95 00 5 00 6 00 6 00 9 00 12 00 12 00 12 00 15 00 20 00 20 00 00 85 00 5 00 45 00 5 00 § Varying from 5U per cent, to 108 per cent., ac cording to class. 89 5 47 00 00 50 00 1 00 ||*2 oo 1 00 1 00 1 00 112 oo 00 00 00 00 70 00 503 ! Bookbinders’ cloth - 100 kilogs. 60 00 12 00 60 00 36 00 30 00 00 00 00 00 00 10 00 34 00 30 00 20 16f 25 11 8 Decrease. 8 7 5 Decrease. 25 20 40 Decrease. Decrease. 16f 94 100 No. in Draft Tariff. 518 522 (a) 533 (5) 534 I N j 535 j (*) ! 552 ! 557 558 559 574 576 580 730 731 732 733 APPENDIX D.—REPORT ON GERMAN TARIFF. SI Aetici.es. Rates of Duty. Proposed. Existing. Clothing, &c., made of tissues or felt of wool Clothing. &c., made wholly or partly of silk combined with india-rubber Men’s hats of textile materials other than silk, including those coated or impregnated ­ with india-rubber - Ladies’ hats, wholly or partly of silk, lace, or embroidery, or with sewn work, not trimmed -----Ditto, of other textile materials, including those coated or impregnated with indiarubber, not trimmed - - - Varnished (lacquered) leather of all kinds - Driving belts of leather or of raw hide, with or without layers of coarse textile materials or felt - Riding-whips and similar articles of animals’ sinews, combined or not with other stuffs, varnished Saddlers’ and trunk-makers’ wares :— Of a net weight of 2 kilogs. or over each piece - Ditto of less than 2 kilogs. each piece In combination with mountings or fastenings of precious metal, without regard to the weight of the articles Driving-belts of textile materials in combination ­ with india-rubber Of coarse textile- material combined with india-rubber Of other than coarse textile material combined with india-rubber Boots and shoes of india-rubber, with or without soles or other material : — Unvarnished Varnished India-rubber print cloths and artificial card leather for factories, with special permission ­ and under control Articles of stoneware, fine stoneware, and fine earthenware, not otherwise mentioned ­ :— Of one colour Of more than one colour, with or without ­ enamelled or metallic coating— Ornamental vessels, figures, and other articles of luxury - Other articles - Articles of earthenware of all kinds (except porcelain and articles similar thereto) in combination with other materials, so far as they do not become liable to higher duties on account of such combination - Porcelain and articles similar to porcelain (soft porcelain, unglazed porcelain, biscuit ­ ware, Parian, jasper, &c.) :— White Coloured, with or without enamelled or metallic coating Combined with other materials, so far as they do rot become liable to higher duties on account of such combination * Coarse wares. Mks. pfg. Mks. pfg. i00kilogs.350 00 lOOkilogs.300 00 220 00 130 00 Increase. Amount. Per Cent. Mks. pfg. kilogs.50 00 90 00 / 100 l ki Each 0 50 Each 0 20 Each 0 30 0 40 0 25 0 20 0 20 0 20 0 05 100 kilogs. 50 00 100 kilogs. 36 00 /.l. 00 ,, AA \ kilogs.14 00 60 00 70 00 65 00 I 80 00 J 120 00 50 00 45 00 „ 15 00 16% 69 150 100 25 39 33i 65 00 *50 00 t65 10 5 00 T From 15 mks. < to 30 mks. per From 30 to 60 1100 kilogs. 65 00 II { kilogs.55 00 - 100 kilogs. 24 00 40 00 100 kilogs. 70 00 „ 100 00 50 00 40 00 60 00 26 00 10 00 30 00 10 00 85 108 25 75 66# Free. 10 00 100 kilogs. 8 00 „ 50 00 2 00 25 00 20 00 25 00 14 00 1 30 00 30 00 16 00 16 00 16 00 10 00 20 00 24 00 9 00 4 00 9 00 4 00 10 00 6 00 25 56 25 56 40 50 25 t Fin# wares. I) 4 32 COMMERCIAL INTELLIGENCE COMMITTEE: No. in 1 Draft : Tariff. ; Articles. Rates of Duty. T rierease. Proposed. Existing. Mks. pfg. Mks. pfg. 741 ex78t> 788 <&) 791 792 798 Plate and sheet glass, not ground, cut, polished, figured, ribbed, scolloped, curved, frosted, engraved, ornamented with glass applications, cut in facets, nor foliated :— Not coloured nor opaque— Plate glass, cast and blown ; so-called crude glass (rough cast plates) more than 5 mm. thick, ribbed or not - 100 kilogs. 4 Sheet glass, including “crude” ' glass (ribbed or not), 5 mm. or less j in thickness, if the length and breadth together amount to— 120 centimetres or less Amount. Mks. pfg. 00 100 kilogs. 3 00 More than 200 cmm. 120 and up - jlOOkilogs. gross wt. to ' 00 ' „ 6 00 lOOkilogs. \ i gross, wt. / 00 More than 200 cmm. - Cathedral glass Iron and steel :— Malleable iron in bars (rolled, forged, or drawn) ; also shaped (“ façonnirt ”) and hoop-iron :— Weighing less than 1 kilog. per linear metre - With patterns or ornaments impressed ­ in the rolling - Bough sheet or plate iron, straightened, but not scaled, less than 1 mm. in thickness - Sheet or plate iron, ground, polished, lacquered, browned, or artificially oxidised, ­ less than 1 mm. in thickness Sheet or plate iron, tinned (tinplate) or coated with other common metals or alloys of common metals, less than 1 mm. in thickness Iron or steel wire, rolled or drawn, including ­ shaped (“ façonnirt ”) wire, polished, lacquered, or coated with other common metals or alloys thereof, having a thickness of— 1'5 mm. or more - 0 5 mm. and less than 15 mm. Less than O'5 mm. Ditto ditto, rough or worked otherwise than as above mentioned, having a thickness of— 1'5 mm. or more - 0'5 mm. and less than 1 5 mm. Less than O'5 mm. - Iron and steel tubes (other than spiral), rolled or drawn :— Bough— 2 mm. or more in thickness Less than 2 mm. in thickness Worked— 2 mm. or more in thickness Less than 2 mm. in thickness Malleable cast-iron, forgings, and other wares of malleable iron, not otherwise tariffed. Bough :— Very coarse, weighing per piece, net— More than 25 kilogs. - „ „ 3 kilogs. and up to 25 kilogs. - O '5 kilog. and up to 3 kilogs. Less than 0 * 5 kilog. ... f ICO ! kilogs. 1 00 1 ,, 2 00 J (about) 100 ] kilogs. ^ 2 00 grs. wt. J 2 00 ,, 6 00 4 50 5 50 5 50 3 00 5 00 5 00 1 50 0 50 0 50 lOu kilogs. 50 100 kilogs. 50 I 00 I 3 00 3 50 5 00 6 00 10 00 12 00 20 00 4 50 6 00 8 00 12 00 3 00 5 00 5 00 10 00 10 00 100 kilogs. 0 50 „ 1 50 „ 3 00 100 — kilogs. 0 50 2 00 1 00 5 00 l „ 3 00 2 00 io oo ! 1 50 3 00 5 00 9 00 Per Cent. S3& 50 10 10 16* 50 100 16# 663 20 100 20 100 50 100 167 300 APPENDIX D.—REPORT ON GERMAN TARIFF. 33 No. in Draft Tariff. Articles. Bates of Duty. Increase. Proposed. Existing. Amount. 806 80? 810 811 812 813 814 : 81.5 816 817 ; e%8l8 CX825 829 @40 841 (b) : (c) i 874 3) Iron and steel—cont. Mks. pfg. Malleable cast-iron, forgings, &c., rough —cont. Coarse, weighing per piece, net— More than 25 kilogs. - - 100 kilogs. 4 50 ,, ,, 3 kilogs. and up to 25 j kilogs. - - - - „ 6 00 0 • 5 kilog. and up to 3 kilogs. - ! „ 8 00 Less than 0 - 5 kilog. - - - 12 00 Iron or steel vices of all kinds, anvils and anvil beaks, anchors, and crowbars; hammers, weighing more than 10 kilogs. per piece, net weight - Mks. pff Blocks and reels for pulleys ; windlasses : and other portable lifting tackle - Forged scythes, and sickles and chaffcutters - - - - - Hand saws and saw blades— Blades for circular, band, and fret saws Files and rasps— (a) Not more than 16 cmm. long - (b) More than 16 cmm., but not more than 35 cmm. long - - - Drills not otherwise mentioned ; cutters for vines and roses ; hedge-shears ; pruning-shears ; sheet-metal shears ; sheep-shears ; chisels ; planes ; tubecutters ; ratchet drills ; machine-knives ; screw-cutters ; cutting compasses Pincers - Bits, gimlets, cutting files, measuring tools [rules, angles, compasses (except cutting compasses), gauging rods, &c.] Hammers weighing 10 kilogs. or less each, axes, choppers, pickaxes {“hachen”), drawing-knives, meat choppers, adjustable ­ wrenches, and other tools not specially mentioned - Appliances, not separately distinguished, for agricultural, household, or industrial ­ purposes, e.g., weighing machines, flat-irons, traps for animals, joints for driving belts, ploughs (“ hultivatoren ”), extirpators, potato forks, harrows, ­ hand-rakes, hay-rakes :— Weighing 3 kilogs. or over, not ground nor varnished Weighing less than 3 kilogs— Not ground nor varnished - Ground, varnished, or coated with common metal - Card clothing - Spindles of all kinds, unpolished Wire rope, for ships and for towing „ other Chains (except bicycle chains) and parts thereof :— Bough :— For ships - - - For towing-tugs - Worked, coarse - - - - Pens (completely finished or not), with or without gilt tips - - - Needles for sewing, knitting and embroidering ­ machines - - - Carding-needles, carding pins, and other heedles than those for sewing; also fish-hooks Copper printing cylinders - - „ 5 00 „ 7 00 „ 15 00 „ 20 00 „ 40 00 „ 25 00 ! { ^100 kilogs. 6 00 „ 3 00 » 3 OO „ 10 00 „ 15 00 „ 15 00 „ 15 00 Mks. pfg. 100 f kilogs. 50 i 100 — I kilogs. 2 00 L ,, 6 oo ,, 2 00 ,, 4 00 „ 5 00 „ 5 00 „ 25 00 „ 10 00 „ 20 00 „ 20 00 40 00 „ 15 00 15 00 10 00 15 00 10 00 10 00 15 00 60 00 10 00 15 00 15 00 6 00 3 00 15 00 90 00 200 00 30 00 18 00 „ 0 00 |r ,, fi oo L „ io oo „ 36 00 „ 6 00 Free. 100 kilogs. 3 00 Free. Free. 100 kilogs. 10 00 „ 60 00 „ 60 00 24 00 8 00 ,, 15 00 4 00 9 00 5 00 24 00 4 00 15 00 12 00 6 00 3 00 5 00 30 00 140 00 6 00 10 00 Per Cent. Decrease. 33} 100 66} 133} 50 33} 167 66} „ 5 00 33} „ 10 00 100 „ 25 00 167 50 66§ 150 50 663 66j 400 50 50 233 25 125 Decrease. E 31200. E 34 COMMERCIAL INTELLIGENCE COMMITTEE : No. in Draft Tariff. 892 893 894 895 896 899 900 901 902 ARTICLES. Machinery of iron or steel :— Steam locomotives, running on rails :— Locomotives with tenders, weighing 10,000 kilogs. or less - Locomotives with tenders, weighing more than 10,000 kilogs. locomotives ­ without tenders - - Steam locomotives, not running on rails, including steam rollers and steam ploughs ; steam engines, portable or not :— Weighing 6,000 kilogs. or less ,, more than 6,000 kilogs. - Steam engines, steam turbines, water power machinery, combustion or explosion ­ motors, hot-air and pneumatic motors, and other motive machinery not specially distinguished (except electric motors), combined or not with dynamos, pumps, hammers, blowingmachines, freezing machinery, drawing engines ; also fixed, portable, or floating dredgers, pile-driving machines and cranes :— Weighing 40 kilogs. or less ,, over 40 kilogs. and up to 100 kilogs. - Weighing over 100 kilogs. and up to 200 kilogs. - - - - Weighing over 200 kilogs. and. up to 500 kilogs. Weighing over 500 kilogs. and up to 1,000 kilogs. - - - - Weighing over 1,000 kilogs. and up to 2,500 kilogs. - - - Weighing over 2,500 kilogs. and up to 5,000 kilogs. - - - Weighing over 5,000 kilogs. and up to 50,000 kilogs. - Weighing over 50,000 kilogs. and up to 100,000 kilogs. - - ■ Weighing over 100,000 kilogs. Sewing machines (including cross-stitch machines), and knitting machines to be worked by hand, without stands ; top parts of sewing machines (including cross-stitch machines) and of knitting machines ; also parts thereof (except needles) - Sewing machines (including cross-stitch machines) and knitting machines firmly attached to stands or to be driven by motors - - Other machines for the preparation of textile materials for manufacture; machines for spinning and twisting, including machines for winding, reeling, ­ and spooling the spun thread ; also machines for the preparation of the spun thread for weaving Looms - - - - Curtain, lace, and tulle-making machines ­ ; knitting frames ; embroidering machines (except cross-stitch machines) Dressing (finishing) machines (machines for the improvement of yarn and wares thereof) ; machines for washing and chemical cleaning ... Rates of Duty. Proposed. Mks. pfg. 100 kilogs. 11 00 „ 9 00 „ 9 00 „ 8 00 Existing, Mks. pfg. 100 ¡>kilogs. 100 00 { 60 00 •{ 38 00 25 00 18 00 13 00 10 00 7 5 |{ { { { { { 00 50 |{ so :{ 35 00 20 00 { 6 00 5 00 { 10 00 { :: 6 00 ¡I " L tf 8 00 Increase. Amount. Mks. pfg. r loo kilogs. 3 00 1 00 *3 00 +5 00 *3 00 f5 00 *3 00 +5 00 *3 00 t5 00 *3 00 t5 00 *3 00 t5 00 *3 00 t5 00 *3 00 f5 00 *3 00 t5 00 *3 00 t5 00 *3 00 f5 00 *3 00 t5 00 # 24 00 *3 00 f5 00 *3 00 t5 00 *3 00 +5 00 *3 00 t-5 00 *3 00 t-5 00 00 00 00 00 97 95 57 55 35 33 22 20 15 13 10 8 7 5 4 2 2 0 0 00 00 00 00 00 oo ; 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 : 50 50 50 50 11 00 17 00 15 00 00 00 2 00 100 kilogs. 7 00 „ 5 00 3 00 1 00 Per Cent. 37} m 200 80 167 60 3233 1900 1900 1100 1167 660 733 400 500 260 333 160 233 100 133 40 83 10 16% Decrease. 46 567 300 100 20 66§ 233 100 100 20 Preponderating material being of cast iron, t Preponderating material being of wrought iron. § Decrease. APPENDIX D.—REPORT ON GERMAN TARIFF, No. in Draft Tariff, i Articles. 903 904 905 900 Machinery of iron or steel—cont. Fire-engines of all kinds ; pumps to be worked by men or animals Machines for working metals, wood, or stone ; steam and hydraulic forgingpresses ; riveting machines and mechanical ­ hammers (drop, pneumatic, and spring hammers,and other hammers driven by transmitted power) :— Weighing 250 kilogs. or less „ over 250 and up to 1,000 kilogs. „ „ 1,000 „ 3,000 „ „ „ 3,000 „ 10,000 „ ,, „ 10,000 kilogs. Steam threshing machines and steam reaping machines - - - Other machinery not specially men, tioned :— Weighing — 40 kilogs. or less - More than 40 kilogs. and up to 100 kilogs „ 100 „ » 200 „ >> 400 ,, „ 1,000 „ „ 5,000 „ „ 10,000 „ „ 200 „ „ 400 „ ,, 1,009 „ „ 5,000 „ » 10,000 „ Note to the Machinery Class.—The tariff rates for machinery arc also applicable to machinery imported in parts if all the parts pertaining to one machine are presented ­ at the same time. The omission of single unimportant parts will not be taken into consideration. On the other hand, separate parts of such machinery are subject on importation to the duty on the material of which made,unless they are expressly assimilated to entire machines, or are otherwise specially tariffed. 907 Dynamos, electric motors, continuous current ­ transformers, as well as finished armatures and collectors, convertors and reaction coils— Weighing 500 kilogs. or less over 500 and up to 3,000 kilogs. 3,000 kilogs. Note.—Machines firmly attached to dy n amo -generators or motors are subject to duty according to the rates of the section for machinery. Rates of Duty. Increase. Proposed. Existing. Mks. pfg. 100 kilogs. 7 00 100 j” kilogs Mks. pfg. 20 00 12 00 8 00 6 00 4 00 9 00 18 00 { 15 00 I 12 00 { 10 00 { 8 00 ,{ 6 50 If 5 50 l{ 3 50 { *3 00 +5 00 100 kilogs. 9 00 „ 7 00 „ 6 00 *3 00 f5 00 18 00 *3 00 +5 00 18 00 *3 00 +5 00 Î8 00 Amount. Mks. pfg. 100 kilogs. 4 00 „ 2 00 *3 00 +5 00 *3 00 f5 00 *3 00 „ 1-5 00 i *3 00 I t5 00 *3 00 +5 00 *3 00 t5 00 ; *3 00 t5 00 : *3 00 t5 00 *3 00 ' t5 00 , *3 00 t5 00 *3 00 +5 00 *3 00 t5 00 *3 00 t5 00 *3 00 t5 00 17 00 15 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 §-/ oo 6 00 4 00 15 00 13 00 32 00 10 00 9 7 7 5 5 3 00 00 00 00 00 00 3 50 1 50 2 50 0 50 0 50 §/ JO 6 4 1 4 2 §' 00 00 00 00 00 00 3 00 1 00 62 00 Per Cent. 133 40 567 300 300 140 167 60 100 20 331 Decrease. 200 80 500 260 400 200 300 140 233 100 167 60 117 30 83 10 16* Decrease. 200 80 12& 133 40 Decrease. 100 20 Decrease. * Preponderating material being of cast iron. Î Preponderating material being of other common metals. t Preponderating material being of wrought iron. § Decrease. COMMERCIAL INTELLIGENCE COMMITTEE : 36 II. Cory of Memorial from Association of Chambers of Commerce on the subject of the Proposed New German Customs Tariff.” To the Most Honourable the Marquess of Lansdowne, K.G., His Majesty’s Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs. The Memorial of the Association of Chambers of Commerce of the United Kingdom SlIEWETH, That the following resolution was unanimously adopted at the Autumnal Meeting of this Association held at Nottingham on the 3rd and 4th September 1901 :— “ That this Association views with alarm the proposed increase of the German tariff and strongly protests against the same, believing that it will be injurious to the trade of both countries.” That your Memoralists are an Association of Chambers of Commerce of the United Kingdom, representing all branches of the great industries of the country, not only those which are interested in the export of British goods to foreign countries, but also those which are for the most part engaged in internal commerce. That your Memorialists view with disappointment and regret the proposal of the German Government to increase the duties levied on certain goods entering Germany. That in reference to many of the articles proposed to be subjected to higher duties, German manufacturers are makers as skilled as any to be found in this country, while in respect to others they possess advantages which would justify not only T the non-advance, but the reduction or abolition of existing duties. That separate representations by different Chambers or groups of Chambers of Commerce included in this Association will be submitted in the proper quarter, and to these reference is hereby made for full details. That this Association is cognizant of a growing impatience throughout commercial circles in Great Britain of the heavy duties levied by foreign countries on British goods ; that representations have even reached it proposing retaliatory duties in the event of the new increased rates being levied by Germany; and that this Association therefore hopes the representations of His Majesty’s Government will be such as to induce the German Government rather to reduce than to increase the present tariff, and thus thereby avoid all risk of a tariff war between the two countries. Finally, your Memorialists are profoundly convinced that any rise in the duties now levied by Germany would have effects most prejudicial to the extent and profitableness of the great commerce now passing between them. Given under the Common Seal of this Association the 24th day of September 1901. {Signed) Aveburï, President. Edward W. Fithian. Secretary. 1, Great College Street, Westminster, S.W. APPENDIX E. —REPORT ON RUSSIAN AND AUSTRO-HUNGARIAN TARIFFS. 37 APPENDIX E. Copy of Report by the Committeé to the Board of Trade respecting the new Russian and proposed new Austro-Hungarian Customs Tariffs. (See p. 11.) TO THE PRESIDENT OF THE BOARD OP TRADE. Sir, We have had under consideration the new Russian and proposed new Austro-Hungarian Customs Tariffs, which have been submitted to us for opinion, and we have been in communication with the Chambers of Commerce and a number of other important trade organisations, with the object of obtaining their views as to the probable effect of these tariffs on the trades and industries with which they are concerned. In inviting the views of these bodies on the matter in question, we, of course, gave due prominence to the facts, (a) that the tariffs are not in operation, and that, as yet, no date has been fixed upon which any portion of them will enter into force ; (6) that the rates of duty fixed by existing treaties between Russia and Austria-Hungary and other Powers cannot be altered while those treaties are in force without the consent of the Powers concerned ; and (c) that the tariffs under consideration are in the main in the nature of tarifs de combat, to be used in the process of negotiations for new commercial treaties. We append a summary of the replies which we have received from the bodies we consulted, and have to offer the following observations thereupon :— 1. The general effect of the replies is that the tariffs now in force are of a Ter y protective character, and that even as matters stand it is rendered difficult for British manufacturers and traders to carry on remunerative business in either the Russian or the Austro-Hungarian market. 2. It is also represented that the duties on many important articles of British trade are proposed to be raised in both countries from their present high level, thus increasing the impediments in the way of business which already exist. The tariff rates, it is urged, are in many instances proposed to be advanced from a protective to a prohibitive point, so that if the new tariffs were to be put into force in their present shape it would become virtually impossible for business to be done with either country in many classes of goods. 3. It is suggested from several quarters that efforts should be directed by His Majesty’s Government not only to bringing about a modification of the proposed new rates, but also a reduction of those already in force. If such reduction could be procured, an increased trade would result to the mutual advantage of the United Kingdom and the two countries whose tariff proposals are now in question. 4. Among the principal articles in respect of which it has been represented ­ to us that the new Russian tariff would be injurious to British trading interests are leather, earthenware, india-rubber, various chemicals, white and red lead, manufactured iron and steel of various descriptions, wire of all kinds, needles, tools, cutlery, machinery, cotton and woollen yarns and piece goods, cotton lace, and cotton hosiery. The following statement gives particulars of the existing and new tariff duties on the chief classes of these goods, and shows also the percentage increases proposed on the present rates :— Increases in the Russian Tariff on the Principad Articles of British Trade. (Rouble = 100 copecks = 2s. lid. Poud = 36 lbs. Punt = ' 902 lbs.) Tariff No. 55 (3) 74 (4) 75(2) (3) Classification of Articles. Dressed hides and skins (leather), large Common pottery, plain „ ornamented Earthenware, white, with rims, borders, &c. of one colour. „ „ ornamented Existing Rates New Rates of Percentage of Duty. Duty. Rbls. Cop. Poud 9 90 „ 0 371 „ 0 90 » 1 8% ,, 4 95 Rbls. Cop. Poud 11 00 „ 0 45 „ 1 50 „ 2 10 11 20 67 12 5 62} ! 11 E 3 38 COMMERCIAL INTELLIGENCE COMMITTEE: Tariff No. Classification of Articles. Existing Rates of Duty. New Rates of Duty. Percentago Rate of Increase. 76 89 (1) (2) 109(21 112 131 132 140 ) and y (1) 142 , (2) (3) (4) 141 150(1) 152(1) (2; 155(1) (2) 157 (1) (2) 158(1) (3) 160(1) 161 (1) (2) 167 (1) (3) ox 181 183 (3) (4) (5) (6) Majolica India-rubber, soft — (a.) In sheets, threads, &c. - (b.) Manufactures of ,, hard—(a.) Unwrought sheets, pipes, &c. (b.) Manufactures of Copperas, blue and white ; and chloride of zinc - Chemical and pharmaceutical preparations - ^ White lead and zinc white Red lead - Manufactured iron and steel :— I Bars, ingots, puddled billets, scrap, &c. ; rails - Sheets, slabs, assorted, T and TT beams, Z and other similar shapes (except angles), hoops. Sheets of thickness exceeding * millimetre (over No. 25 Birmingham gauge). Tin-plate ; sheet-iron, painted, varnished, coated with zinc (galvanised), copper, or other common metals. Iron castings in the rough Cast-iron wares (except vessels) Iron and steel manufactures, forged, stamped, or moulded. Boilermakers’ wares Pipes of all kinds, and connecting parts :— Weighing more than 5 funts each Weighing less than 5 funts each - Wire :— Iron or steel— Diameter 6+—1 mm. inclusive Diameter less than 1 mm. to O'5 mm. From 25 to 29 Birmingham gauge Finer than No. 29 Birmingham gauge Of copper, &c.— From *-inch diameter to 25 Birmingham gauge. Less than 0'5 mm. to 0'2 mm. inclusive [ Less than 0'2 mm. Needles :— For sewing - For sewing machines Cutlery :— Ordinary cutlery Sheep shears Scythes bills, and sickles Hand-tools :— Files and drilling tools Other - Machines and apparatus :— Of cast-iron, &c.— All kinds not separately tariffed (excluding metal-working and agricultural machinery, &c.). Wood-working machines Dynamo -electrical machines, &c. Dyed wool and down, uncombed and un spun : — Artificial and rubbed wool - Cotton yarn :— From No. 60 to No. 80 inclusive— Unbleached - Bleached, dyed, and mercerised Above No. 80 (English)— Unbleached - - Bleached, dyed, and mercerised Cotton twist of two or more threads on wooden spools—made from yarns From No. 60 to No. 80 inclusive (English) - Above No. 80 (English) - Cotton twist, other than the foregoing, made from yarns— From No. 60 to No. 80 inclusive (English) - Above No. 80 (English) Rbls. Cop. Pond 4 95 Funt 0 16* „ 0 28 ,, 0 16* „ 0 28 Pond 1 20 Pond) 2 gross / Pond 0 „ 0 „ 0 „ 0 „ 1 „ 2 „ 7 „ 9 „ 9 Funt 0 „ o Pond 20 1 „ 18 „ 18 25<j 75 ^ 52* 75 97* 20 32* 90 10 10 2 10 10 10 50 50 25 00 6 00 50* 00+ CO 97* 97* 40 65 65 65 65" 2 10 10 10 4 95 ::S „ 14 ,, 15 Pond I 15 gross J „ 15 25 90 25 90 00 00 00 00 Rbls. Cop. Pond 9 54 Funt 0 20 „ 0 30 „ 0 20 „ 0 50 Pond 1 50 Various rates ranging from 3 rbls. 60 cop. to 20 rbls. and above per pond gross. Pond 0 90 ,, 0 60 „ 0 90 27* Funt 1 „ 2 50 65 1 12* 4 65 2 55 2 55 2 55 4 05 80 30 3 30 4 70 10 35 11 85 40 00 Pond 24 00 50 00 75 10 2 55 3 65 8 50 6 50 „ 16 00 „ 18 50 „ 22 00 „ 24 50 Pond 1 18 00 gross J .. 24 50 22 50 30 50 93 21 7 21 79 25 20 14 20 31 25 14 25 121 21 21 21 93 20 53 47 57 22 38* 15 32 44 105 18 355 82 67 27 21 74 305 31 12 16 54 54 20 63 25 69 * From 25 to 29 Birmingham gauge, t Finer than 29 Birmingham gauge. APPENDIX E.—REPORT ON RUSSIAN AND AUSTRO-HUNGARIAN TARIFFS. 89 Tariff No. Classification of Articles. Existing Rates of Duty. New Rates of Duty. Percentage Rate of Increase. Wool :— 186 (1) Combed—Undyed Dyed - - (2) Spun (up to No. 57, metrical)—Undyed Dyed ,, (above No. 57, metrical)—Úndyed - Dyed Cotton tissues, unbleached and bleached :— 187 (2) Measuring up to 8 sq. yds. to the lb. (3) Measuring over 8 sq. yds. to the lb. 188 Cotton tissues dyed, checkered, &c. :— (6.) Measuring up to 8 sq. yds. to the lb. - ,, (c.) Measuring over 8 sq. yds. to the lb. ‘ 199 Woollen tissues, &c., woven, not separately , „ designated. ex 205 Knitted wares of cotton - - - - ' „ ,, ,, wool \ ” 206 Cotton tulle for curtains - - - * » Rbls. Pond 6 „ 9 „ 12 „ 14 „ 12 „ 14 Funt 0 / „ 0 l „ 2 Cop. I Rbls. Cop. 75 Pond 8 25 00 75 70 75 70 11 75 13 50 17 00 16 50 20 00 74 ; Funt 0 90 2 15 98* A 07&tf 17|-43* 22&t 57* 75 90 80 1 35 2 60 2 25 1 50 1 50 2 25 22 31 6 16 29 36 21 119* 4+ 15 82* 17f 43 100 67 25 * From 8 sq. yds. to 10 9 sq. yds. to the lb. t More than 10*9 sq. yds. to the lb. 5. As regards Austria-Hungary, the principal items of the proposed tariff about which representations have been made to us are biscuits ; pickles, jams, and preserves ; the finer counts of cotton yarns ; cotton piece goods ; cotton lace and nets ; cotton hosiery ; woollen yarns for retail sale ; woollen tissues ; india-rubber wares ; bookbinders’ cloth ; various leather wares ; leather belting ; earthenware ; iron and steel in pigs, bars, and galvanised sheets ; iron pipes ; files, and other tools ; cutlery ; machinery ; automobiles ; railway carriages and wagons ; various chemicals ; soap ; and candles. The following is a similar statement to that given above in regard to Russia, showing the chief classes of goods in respect of which representations against the proposed new duties have been made :— Proposed Increases in the Austro-Hungarian Tariff on the Principal Articles of British Trade. (100 kilogrammes = 220"4 lbs. Krone = lOd.) Tariff No. Classification of Articles. Existing Rates of Duty. New Rates of Duty. Percentage Rate of Increase. 114 -128 129 131 183 184 Biscuits Preserves of fish, meat, and vegetables ; all comestibles in tins, bottles, &c. (except baker’s produce, cocoa and chocolate). Cotton yarn, single, unbleached: — Over No. 50 and up to No. 60, English „ 60 „ „ 70 „ 70 English Cotton yarn, of two threads, unbleached - Over No. 50 and up to No. 60, English „ 60 „ „ 70 ,, 70, English - - - i The following additional duties are to be I leviable on dyed cotton yarns under the new tariff when— Kron. per 100 Kgs. (o.) and (d.) Dyed (printed or 14 00 not) ; also bleached and mercerised. (e.) Dyed (printed or not), and 16 00 mercerised. Kron. 100 kgs. 83-33 83 33 33 33 28 57 28 57 38 08 28-57 28-57 Kron. 100 kgs. 150-00 120-00 38 00 43-00 45 * 00 40-00 80 44 14 33 51 18 58 40 40 COMMERCIAL INTELLIGENCE COMMITTEE : Tariff No. Classification of Articles. 191 192 195 196 197 200(5) 227 229 324 ex 314 ex 424 not more than four or woven in two 189 Cotton tissues :— Made from No. 50 yarn and under, and having 38 threads or less in a square of 5 mm. :— (a.) Plain, also simply twilled :— Unbleached - Bleached - Dyed - Printed in not more than four colours or woven in two colours. Printed in more than four colours or woven in more than two colours. (5.) Figured :— Unbleached - Bleached - Dyed - Printed in colours colours. Printed in more than four colours or woven in more than two non colours. .-0 Made from No. 50 yarn and under, and naying more than 38 threads in a square of 5 mm. :— (a.) Plain, also simply twilled :— Unbleached ... Bleached ... Dyed Printed in not more than four colours or woven in two colours. Printed in more than four colours or woven in more than two colours. (5.) Figured:— Unbleached ... Bleached Dyed Printed in not more than four colours or woven in two colours. Printed in more than four colours or woven in more than two colours. Made from yarns over No. 50 up to No. 100 Unbleached Bleached, dyed, printed, woven in colours ( Made from yarns over No. 100 Cotton net (except stiff nets) and tulle, plain :— Unbleached Bleached, dyed, coloured, &c. _ I Cotton net and tulle, figured : Unbleached .... Bleached, dyed, coloured, &c. Cotton curtains Cotton lace Cotton stockings and socks :— Weighing over 1 kilog. per dozen pairs Weighing 1 kilog. or less per dozen pairs - Woollen yarns made up for retail sale Woollen tissues not otherwise mentioned :— (6.) More than 200 and up to 700 grammes 1 per square metre - - . j (c.) 200 grammes and less per square metre - Bookbinders’ cloth Transmission belts, sewn, perforated, &c., flat :— Of bark-tanned leather - Of oil-dressed or minerally. tanned leather, and of raw hide - - j Transmission belts, round or cornered, also twisted. Chinaware, other than parts of pipes, &c White . Coloured, &c,. Existing Rates of Duty. Kron. 100 kgs. 76-19 „ 95-24 „ 119-05 ,, 142 86 ,, 142 86 95 24 119-05 142 86 166-67 166 67 119-05 142-86 166 67 190 48 190-48 119-05 142 86 166 67 190-48 190-48 166-67 238-10 333 33 333 333 333 333 333 535 New Rates of Duty. ,, 17857 ,, 17857 (Various rates from 19 to 38 kron) 100 f190-48* kgs. I119 05f „ 190-48 „ 59-52 52 38 { 52 38 11-90 23-81 Kron. 100 kgs. 80-00 ,, 11000 „ 130-00 „ 170-00 „ 18000 110-00 130 00 155 00 190-00 200-00 131-00 155-00 180-00 21500 230 00 136-00 160-00 185-00 220-00 235-00 195 00 295 00 385-00 380 400 400 440 440 750 220 285 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 52 00 200-00 262 00 72-00 70-00 80-00 80 00 1700 36 00 Percentage Rate of Increase. 5 15 9 19 26 15 9 8 14 20 10 8 8 13 21 14 12 11 15 23 17 24 16 14 20 20 32 32 40 23 60 ö 68 38 21 34 53 53 43 51 * Weighing 500 grammes and less per square metre, t Weighing more than 500 grammes per square metre. APPENDIX E.—REPORT ON RUSSIAN AND AUSTRO-H UNO ARI AN TARIFFS. 41 Tariff No. Classification of Articles. Existing Rates of Duty. New Rates of Duty. Percentage Rate of Increase. Kron. 425 Earthenware, other than common pottery, &C. :— Stoneware for technical purposes— Of one colour Of two or more colours Other— Of one colour Of two or more colours 428 Pig iron and old and scrap iron and steel 431 Iron and steel bars or rods : — Not shaped - Shaped 432 (c)| Iron and steel sheets and plates, tinned or I galvanised, of thickness of— Less than 1 mm. down to O' 6 mm. Less than 0'6 mm. down to 0'4 mm. Less than 0'4 mm. 438 Pipes of non-malleable cast iron :— Rough— With walls 7 mm. or more in thickness - With walls less then 7 mm. in thickness Ordinarily worked— Walls 7 mm. or more in thickness - Walls less than 7 mm. in thickness Finely worked— Walls 7 mm. or more in thickness Walls less than 7 mm. in thickness 452 : Scythes and sickles - 457 Files and rasps, the cut surface being— Over 250 mm. long From 150 mm. to 250 mm. long - Less than 150 mm. long 459 Cutting files :— Weighing 250 grammes or more Weighing less than 250 grammes 460 Edge tools ex 479 Cutlery :— Shears and scissors ... Pocket knives and clasp knives 100 kgs. 9 „ 19 „ 9 „ 19 „ 1 » 5 7 } „ 19 05 21-43 Aron. 100 kgs. 15 00 „ 25 00 „ 12-GO „ 20-00 „ 1 90 „ 6-50 8-40 } 529 530 532 533 534 539 597(a) (&) (P) 598(c) ex (d) (e) 599 (c) {n) 602(/) 604 610 611 625 Machine tools - Agricultural machinery :— Threshing machines Other, except steam ploughs— Of wood - Of iron Machines for cotton manufacture, other than spinning and twisting machines. Machines for the spinning, twisting, &c. of cotton or wool. Weaving and knitting looms, &c. Dynamos and electric motors :— Weighing 25 kilogs. or less - -~] ,, more than 25 up to 500 kilogs. | „ „ ,, 500 „ 3,000 „ > „ „ „3,000 „ 8,000 „ I „ ,, „ 8,000 „ J Caustic soda - .... Zinc white and grey oxide of zinc Artificial zinc oxide - - Ammonia liquid ... Sulphuric acid :— Not fumiferous - - Fumiferous - - - Boracic acid, refined - - Oxalic acid Potash, containing more than 85 per cent, of carbonate of potassium. Ferro and ferri-cyanide of potassium Chloride of zinc - - Glycerine :— Crude - Refined Gelatine - - Glue and isinglass - Tar dyes - - ... 4 9 9 19 19 19 11 23 35 35 35 35 35 76* 52f 52Í 05$ 05 i 05 I 90 I „ " 71 : 71 71 , 14 14 107 107 11 17-861Í 16- 67 11-90 17- 86 714 10-12 10-12 Various rates from 11 "90 to 28’57 kron. 100 kgs. Free 100 kgs. 14 14 14 52 19 79 52 90 52 76 90 90 52 52 57 20 00 21-50 24-00 7 10 12 19 21 24 16 30 60 75 60 85 60 175 150 24 20 50 00 00 50 50 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 oo ! * Rough, not worked. § Turned, smoothed, &c. t Rough, scoured, or coated with tar. Machine tools weighing 10,000 kilogs. or more, ! Other. „ 18-00 17-00 „ 24 00 „ 15 00 „ 1500 „ 15-00 r „ %roo I „ 50-00 < „ 4300 j „ 3600 L „ 24-00 „ 9-60 „ . 9-60 „ 14 50 „ 14-50 „ 2-00 „ 3-00 „ 7-20 „ 12-00 „ 360 „ 20-00 „ 24-00 „ 3-00 „ 1200 „ 30-00 „ 14 50 15°/ 0 od val. t Coarsely painted, complete (in pieces cr 58 31 26 5 23 9 18 13 12 51 to 121 26 to 100 13 28 34 26 68 110 68 138 68 63 40 102 34 8 43 34 110 48 48 34 34 103 52 68 68 26 89 110 404 58 532 215 52 (?) not). E 31200. F 42 COMMERCIAL INTELLIGENCE COMMITTEE : Tariff No. Classification of Articles. Existing Rates of Duty. Increase. Kron. Kron. j 636 Candles other than of tallow or of wax 637 (a) Soap, common - 100 kgs. 21‘43 ,, 5 95 100 kgs, 28-00 3L „ 12-00 102 638 Wax candles, tapers, matches, night-lights, &c. 645 Ammunition for guns and rifles; blasting materials made of tLe components of gunpowder. ­ 145-00 16 * Matches. f Candles, tapers. X Night-lights. 6. The foregoing statements are by no means intended to be taken as exhaustive. They merely give particulars in regard to the principal items in respect of which complaint has been made. The appended “ Summary of Replies," and the translations of the tariffs as issued by the Board of Trade should be referred to for complete details. 7. We have, further, to direct attention to certain observations, made by some of the bodies we have consulted, which relate rather to the classification of goods under the tariffs than to the tariff rates of duty. For example, as regards the Russian tariff, the Bradford Chamber of Commerce suggest that what is meant by “wool waste " (section 181) should be more clearly defined, difficulties having already been experienced in this connection under the existing tariff. The London Chamber suggest that a clause should be inserted in section 199, providing for the admission of woollen tissues containing less than 10 per cent, of silk at the same rate as tissues of pure wool, “ a small proportion of silk threads being often thrown in woollen “ tissues for the sake of effect." The Manchester Chamber point out that “ bookbinders’ cloth " is not at present separately mentioned in the tariff, the implication being that in their opinion a separate heading should be raised for this article with a moderate rate of duty. A further suggestion from this Chamber is that Pneumatic and Spring Power Hammers should be expressly included under the heading No. 167 (a) as steam hammers are, in order to prevent their being classed as metal working machines under No. 167 (c). The Middlesborough Chamber specially urge that an effort should be made to get the existing duty on pig iron reduced (it is not proposed to be increased) on the ground that a good deal more is paid in duty than the value of the iron at the place of export here. As regards the Austro-Hungarian tariff, the Bradford Chamber urge that there should be a clear definition as to what is intended to be covered by the terms “ carded yarn" and “ spun yarn resembling carded yarn "in section 226, it being anticipated that these terms will give rise to endless difficulties if unexplained. The London Chamber make the same suggestion in respect of woollens containing less than 10 per cent, of silk as that referred to above, adding that “ under the existing tariff woollen tissues containing a mixture ‘‘ of silk are assessed at a rate entirely out of proportion to the value of the “ cloth," and pointing out that it is proposed to increase this duty. 8. We have to add that the India and Colonial Offices have been communicated with in order to obtain, if possible, the views of the Indian and Colonial Governments with regard to the tariffs under consideration. The matter has been brought to the notice of the Indian Government, but up to the present no reply has been received. As regards the Colonies, replies have come to hand from Malta, Cyprus, Natal, and the Transvaal! These disclose that the only colonial interest affected, so far as these particular colonies are concerned, is that of Cyprus, which is interested in the proposed increase in the Austro-Hungarian rate of duty on raisins (Tariff No. 10) from about 12s. to about 21s. per cwt. The Governor states that this increase, if adopted, will seriously injure the growing trade of the island in this commodity, the bulk of Cyprus raisins being now exported to the Austrian market. He urges that the matter is one of great importance to Cyprus, and APPENDIX E.—REPORT ON RUSSIAN AND AUSTRO-HUNGARIAN TARIFFS. 43 desires that representations may be made to the Austro-Hungarian Government ­ with regard to this proposal. 9. In conclusion we have to express our opinion that the reports which we have received in answer to our applications, representative as they are of the views entertained by the principal industries of the United Kingdom, unite in testifying to the injury inflicted on British commerce by the tariffs already imposed by Russia and Austria-Hungary, and we desire to endorse the demand made by many of the Chambers of Commerce and other representative industrial bodies that all possible means should be adopted not only to prevent the proposed increases in tariff duties, but to procure the reduction of those now existing. We have, &c. (Signed) A. E. BATEMAN (Chairman). H. LLEWELLYN SMITH (Deputy Ch airm an). AVEBURY. F. BRITTAIN. T. CRAIG BROWN. WYNDHAM R. DUNSTAN. C. ALEXANDER HARRIS, ALFRED HICKMAN. T. W. HOLDERNESS. W. H. HOLLAND. ALGERNON LAW. ALBERT K. ROLLIT. STRATHCONA. Geo, J. Stanley (Secretary). 16 th December 1903. - ■MBMMMHj 206$07665520 Image Engineering Scan Reference Chart TE263 Serial No. 26 COMMERCIAL INTELLIGENCE COMMITTEE : O f > o 00 15 P is |ä oo ^ 6 have here to refer to two matters which do not stand altogether on the same footing as those to which we have hitherto Salt. alluded. The hrst is in regard to salt (No. 278 of the proposed tariff). At present imports of salt into Germany by sea pay only the internal duty of 12 marks per 100 kilogs., being thus placed on equal terms with salt of native production, while imports by land pay a duty of 80 pfgs. per 100 kilogs. in addition to the internal duty, i.e., 12 • 80 marks per 100 kilogs in all. The effect of the new proposal, if enacted, would be to place all imported salt on the same footing, whether introduced by land or by sea. The imposition of this duty of 80 pfgs. per 100 kilogs. on sea-borne imports, equivalent to 8a. a ton, amounts °to about hO per cent, upon the delivered price. The importance of salt as ballast is well known, and we are assured that a large part of the export trade or the Baltic ports will be hindered if the tonnage now employed in salt ceases. Ine export of salt to Germany is principally to the ports of Danzig, Königsberg, ­ and Memel, from which ports exports are alleged to be in excess of imports, so that outward tonnage is necessary for German trade. Moreover, the importance of cheap salt as being necessary to all classes and as a raw material needs no argument. If the proposed tariff, as is generally alleged, is intended to benefit the German agricultural classes, a prohibitory duty on the article seems inconsistent with this object, as salt of moderate price and of the highest quality free competition can render available is essential to prosperity in butter making, curing, and other agrarian pursuits. We are informed that there has always been a demand in Germany for English ^alt, especially for dairy purposes, English quality being superior to German, this latter statement is supported by the fact that a fair trade in salt is being carried on with Germany at the present time, although in addition to •ne excise duty, chargeable on British and German salt alike, the British sa t has to pay freight. The increase in the duty, if enacted, will of course vi ! tu ally kill this trade, and its stoppage will not only injuriously affect he German butter-makers and other users of salt, but also that part of botn the British and the German shipping industries engaged in the carrying trade between the two. countries. And beyond this, it lias been estimated that the increase in the German revenue from the additional tax, even should the present trade be undisturbed, would be less than 9,000¿. per annum. The second matter is in regard to straw plait, and in this case the duties are proposed to be reduced. Straw plait, whether in Straw Plait. the raw state or bleached or dyed, now pays 10 marks per 100 kilogs. when imported from countries entitled 0 mosi-favoured-nation treatment in Germany, and 18 marks per 100 1 ogs, w en imported from non-treaty countries, the raw product of a non tea y country (e.pr., China) being admitted at the conventional rate of , T “.P- kilogs. if bleached or dyed in a treaty country (e.y., the Kingdom). The treatment proposed by the draft tariff is "that straw R ai Y 1 q\ e raw atafce shall be admitted free, without regard to its origin, and m the b,cached or dyed article shall pay 8 marks per 100 kilogs. Aided by me present tariff provisions, a considerable export trade to Germany in plait of D mese, <vc. origin, dyed or bleached in this country, has sprung up in recent jeais. The free admission of unbleached and undyed plait proposed by the new tariff will do away with the advantage under which this trade has become possible, and it is urged by those interested that this will not only be inconvenient to exporters in the United Kingdom, but that it will injuriously affect German hat manufacturers also by lowering the quality of their raw material and restricting them to the few bleachers and dyers in Germany concerned in the straw plait business. It is asserted that the great body of opinion among straw-hat makers in Germany is in favour of a retention of the system of uniform treatment of raw and of bleached or dyed straw plait. In putting forward the foregoing observations we, of course, fully recognise that the proposed tariff, besides being subject to amendment by the German eg i si at nre on points of detail, is to be considered as being largely in the na ure ot a ai if de combat, and that a good deal of bargaining with other na ions, sue i as Austria-Hungary, ftaly, Belgium, and Switzerland, and