§ 31. Mrs. COPELANDasked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in view of the large amount of fine china (safeguarded) which has recently been imported from the Far East, the volume of such importations will in future be taken into consideration instead of only the weight?
§ The PRESIDENT of the BOARD of TRADE (Mr. Runciman)Particulars of the weight and declared value of china, including translucent pottery and all pottery known as china or porcelain, other than electrical ware, imported into the United Kingdom are regularly published in the monthly "Accounts relating to Trade and Navigation of the United Kingdom."
§ Mr. HALESCan the right hon. Gentleman give an assurance that the duty on china will be raised to 50 per cent. so that all pottery will be under the same duty?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANAt present the duty is on the basis of 28s. per cwt.
§ Colonel WEDGWOODWill it be possible for the Board of Trade to consider a change in the duty from duty on weight to duty on value?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANThat would depend on how far the imports come within the definition of abnormal imports.
§ Mr. HARRISIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the heavier china is the cheapest, and that, therefore, if the duty is put on weight it will spread the duty more fairly?
§ Colonel WEDGWOODMay I press my question, and would the President of the Board of Trade consider receiving a deputation from the trade on this point?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANI am finding it difficult to receive all the deputations that want to see me, but I need hardly say that my right hon. and gallant Friend has always a special call on my time.
§ 73. Lieut.-Colonel MAYHEWasked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether he will define more clearly what is meant by the terms overcoats and mantles in the Abnormal Importations (Customs Duties) (No. 1) Order, dated 23rd November, 1931?
§ The FINANCIAL SECRETARY to the TREASURY (Major Elliot)I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the reply given to the hon. Member for Chorley on 2nd December.
§ Lieut.-Colonel MAYHEWIs the hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that the word "mantles" has no longer any real significance in describing women's wearing apparel, and will he not take steps to cover every type of women's imported made-up garments, made from the cloth covered by the duty, in exactly the same manner as men's garments are covered?
§ Major ELLIOTI am afraid that I cannot add anything further to my previous answer.
§ 76. Mr. HOLDSWORTHasked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury if, in order to remove doubts as to the interpretation and extent of the Abnormal Imports Regulations, he will state whether import duties are being charged on proofed garments and proofed cloth?
§ Major ELLIOTThe Abnormal Importations (Customs Duties) No. 1 Order, 1931, excepts proofed garments comprised in the description "Overcoats and Mantles" from the charge of duty under the Order, but proofed garments, if any, falling within the description "Men's and Boys' suits," etc., would be chargeable with the duty. Tissues in the piece of a description included in the Order are not relieved from the duty by reason of being proofed.
§ 77. Mr. HOLDSWORTHasked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury if, in order to remove doubts as to the interpretation and extent of the Abnormal imports Regulations, he will state whether import duties are being charged on toy teddy-bears, imitation pearl beads, Christmas tree ornaments, dolls' house toys made of glass, and mirror glass in wooden or metal frames?
§ Major ELLIOTNone of the articles mentioned would be held liable to duty under the Abnormal Importations (Customs Duties) Orders, 1931, Nos. 1 and 2.
§ 90. Mr. LAMBERTasked the President of the Board of Trade if he will institute negotiations with foreign countries whose exports are affected by the Ab- 1673 normal Importations (Customs Duties) Act and the Emergency Customs Duties Bill to secure tariff reductions for British exports?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANI do not consider that the emergency duties imposed or contemplated under the Measures referred to are suitable as a basis for negotiations of the nature contemplated by my right hon. Friend.
§ 91. Earl CASTLE STEWARTasked the President of the Board of Trade whether greaseproof paper can be manufactured in this country in quantities sufficient to meet the normal home demand?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANI understand that the manufacture of paper of the kind mentioned is being developed in this country, and I am making further inquiries as to the progress made.
§ Major NATHANIs it not a fact that it would take upwards of 12 months for paper manufacturers in this country to divert their machinery to the use of such paper, and that, if manufactured here, it would be inferior in quality for its purpose to that which is imported?
Lieut. - Colonel Sir FREDERICK HALLAlways decry British manufactures! My word, we have got some people in this House. [Interruption.]
§ 100. Mr. STONESasked the President of the Board of Trade, in view of the fact that in paper trade circles tissue paper is always defined as paper of 7 pounds per ream, 20 inches by 30 inches, of 480 sheets or under, whether the qualification in regard to weight exceeding 10 pounds to the ream of 480 sheets, 20 inches by 30 inches, applies to tissue paper?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANAny tissue paper falling within the terms of the definition contained in the Order is dutiable, but tissue paper the weight of which is equivalent to not more than 10 pounds to the ream of 480 sheets measuring 30 inches by 20 inches when fully extended is not liable to duty.
§ 75. Mr. RATCLIFFEasked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury if he is aware that silk and artificial silk hose are being imported without the seam sewn up the back of the stocking and that in 1674 this way the recent dumping Order is evaded by only paying duty on tissue; and what steps he intends to take?
§ Major ELLIOTI am not aware that unfinished stockings of silk or artificial silk are being imported without payment of the duty imposed by the Abnormal Importations (Customs Duties) Act, 1931. Such articles are liable to the new duty.
§ Mr. ARTHUR MICHAEL SAMUELIf the hon. and gallant Member will inquire in the West End of London, he will find that such is the fact.
§ Mr. REMERIs the Financial Secretary not aware that there are many thousands of stockings not paying duty coming into this country?
§ Major ELLIOTIf the hon. Member will give me information of any such goods, I will make inquiries.