iv. fairclough
we spoke.
Lab
4911.
29/3/50
United Kingdom Trade Commissioner, DUBLIN.
Train
Republican
Our Ref.:
Dear Bergin,
1097(a)/35
P.40.
-29/3
28th March, 1950.
This is to confirm my telephone message to the effect that I sent you by Bag last night a copy of a letter received late in the afternoon from Williams, about the imports of cheap shirts from Hong Kong.
The letter, which is self explanatory, indicates the reasons why the Minister proposes to place additional specific duties of 6/- on men's shirts not exceeding 8/- in value, and 4/- on boys' shirts not exceeding 5/- in
value.
In this way, it is claimed, only the cheap Hong Kong shirts will pay an increased duty and imports of U.K. shirts will be unaffected. If this is so, and judging by the retail prices of British shirts in Dublin it would seem to be the case, it is claimed that in practice there would be no breach of Article 10 of the 1938 trade agreement.
It is evident that the Minister wishes to announce the new duties at the earliest possible moment and that we have been "consulted" because of the apparent technical breach of the agreement. In these circumstances, Williams asked me to express the hope that our comments would be forthcoming as speedily as possible and I said I would so inform you.
I enclose a copy of my acknowledgment of Williams' letter.
J. A. Bergin, Esq., C.R.E. Department, Board of Trade.
Yours sincerely,
E. S. A. BAYNES
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