CO129-554-5 Commission of Enquiry into the Hong Kong trade depression- correspondence and report 27-3-1935 - 11-8-1935 — Page 151

CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案 All

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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,

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