asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs when the 30 per cent. differential duty in Venezuela on produce and merchandise of the British West Indies came into force; and whether he can state the attitude of Venezuela in the matter?

This tax was introduced in 1882, and has been in force ever since. His Majesty's Minister at Caracas has recently been requested to furnish a report on the subject-matter of the second part of the question.

Has the hon. Gentleman received a number of communications from the West Indies protesting against this long-continued tax?

I should prefer to have notice of that question.