MR. BRYNMOR JONES (Swansea District)To ask Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that inconvenience is caused to coal exporters carrying on business at Swansea by the undue delay of the Customs authorities in paying the rebate on the coal duty on coal exported at a price not exceeding 6s. per ton f. o. b.; have complaints as to such delay been made to him; and will he take steps to secure the repayment of the rebate within a reasonable time.
(Answered by Mr. Austen Chamberlain.) The only allegation of delay in repayment of coal duty which has reached the Board of Customs from Swansea was addressed to them from the firm whose representative was the only witness before the Coal Commission, out of the large number of persons examined, who raised this point. The dissatisfaction at the procedure of the Customs is therefore apparently not general, and, indeed, there seems to be no cause for it, as I am assured that the rebate claims, when in order, are invariably passed for payment within a few days of receipt. But, if the hon. Member will give any instances where delay has occurred, I will have careful inquiry made.