Great Britain and United States (Trade Agreement).

Oral Answers to Questions — Trade and Commerce. – in the House of Commons at on 6 December 1938.

Alert me about debates like this

Photo of Mr Gordon Hall Caine Mr Gordon Hall Caine , Dorset Eastern

asked the President of the Board of Trade the estimated value of the sums passing from this country to the United States of America during each of the past three years in respect of royalties and other payments on account of the showing of American films in Great Britain; and whether these sums were taken into account in estimating the balance of trade between the two countries for the purposes of the Anglo-American Trade Agreement?

Photo of Hon. Oliver Stanley Hon. Oliver Stanley , Westmorland

It is not possible to furnish precise information, but it is estimated that the payments made by this country to the United States of America in respect of royalties, etc., on American films have been of the order of £6,000,000 in each of the last three years. As regards the second part of the question, I can assure my hon. Friend that all relevant considerations were taken into account during the negotiations for the agreement.

Captain Arthur Evans:

Would the right hon. Gentleman represent to the Chancellor of the Exchequer the desirability of exploring this avenue when forming his Budget, with a view to increasing the public revenue?

Photo of Hon. Oliver Stanley Hon. Oliver Stanley , Westmorland

I am sure that my right hon. Friend is not only ready to explore every avenue, but that he does so.

Photo of Mr Herbert Williams Mr Herbert Williams , Croydon South

Is this royalty assessed to Income Tax as an income earned in this country?

Photo of Hon. Oliver Stanley Hon. Oliver Stanley , Westmorland

That question had better be addressed to another Department.

Photo of Hon. Ralph Beaumont Hon. Ralph Beaumont , Portsmouth Central

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether the Trade Agreement between Great Britain and the United States involves any reduction in the duty upon corsets imported into this country?

Photo of Hon. Oliver Stanley Hon. Oliver Stanley , Westmorland

The Trade Agreement with the United States does not involve any reduction in the duty of 20 per cent. ad valorem at present chargeable upon corsets as articles of apparel.

Photo of Mr Morgan Price Mr Morgan Price , Forest of Dean

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he can give an estimate of the loss of revenue that will result from the working of the Most-Favoured-Nation Clause in the Anglo-American Treaty?

Photo of Hon. Oliver Stanley Hon. Oliver Stanley , Westmorland

I regret that it is not possible to give such an estimate.