The aim of this book, first published in 1939, is to provide a comprehensive description of the protectionist system that had been in force in Britain since 1931. It explains the principles and difficulties involved in framing and administering a customs and excise tariff, which has both revenue and political purposes. The problems of tariff negotiating are discussed, and trade agreements made are summarized.

This book provides a comprehensive description of the protectionist system that has for some years been in force in Great Britain. It explains in simple language the principles and difficulties involved in framing and administering a customs and excise tariff, which has both revenue and political purposes. There is a in-depth description of the United Kingdom collecting machinery, an historical account of the tariff since 1914, and a discussion of the political objects such as Imperial Preference. The problems of tariff negotiating are discussed, and trade agreements made, including that with the U.S.A., are summarized.