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they are not in a position to make any further specific
recommendations, but they wish to place on record their
unanimous opinion that this matter should be constantly
kept in view by the Government and that no opportunity
should be neglected of pressing the claims of Hong Kong
to a share in any preferential treatment which may be
accorded to Colonial products. In this connection they
would suggest that the initiative should be taken by this
Government and the matter reopened at the earliest
possible dato.
8.
The position as regards Canada is much more
complicated and, from the local standpoint, unsatisfactory.
By an Order-in-Council dated 30th January, 1933, the
bcncfits of the Canadian Intermediate Tariff were
cxtended to produce originating in and coming from
the Colony of Hong Kong when these products were imported
direct and conveyed without transhipment from Hong
Kong or from a port of a country enjoying the benefit
of the Preferential of Intermediate Tariff into a sea,
lake or river port of Canada. Applied to the rope
industry this means that Hong Kong ropes can secure
entry into Canada on payment of a duty under the Inter
me diate Tariff of 224% as opposed to a Preferential
Tariff rate of 20% and a General Tariff rate of 25%.
9.
So far, all endeavours to secure admission of
Hong Kong products under the Proferential Tariff have
been unsuccessful. We are informed, however, that the
Hong Kong Rope Manufacturing Company is quite prepared to
pay the Intermediate Tariff of 221% and is confident of
being ablo to find a market in Canada provided that no
further obstacles arc put in their way. Unfortunately,
their previous experiences and the latest information
received from Canada would appear to indicate that,