24. Major BARNESasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that on the 9th December a consignment of over 100 bags of washing soda crystals arrived at the east quay of the London Docks and was detained by His Majesty's Customs as being liable for duty under Part, I of the Safeguarding of Industries Act; that the importers sent special lorries to remove the goods, but were refused delivery by the Customs officials unless payment of a deposit to cover the ad valorem duty was made; that, upon refusal to pay such deposit, the goods were detained so that workmen had to be dismissed; and that, it was not until the case was taken up by the British Chemical Trade Association that, the goods were eventually released on the 12th December as not being dutiable at all; and whether he will take steps to ensure that such interference with trade shall not occur again?
Mr. YOUNGI am informed that these goods were not landed until the morning of Saturday the 10th instant, and that the two vans sent down on that day were allowed to take away full loads; the 381 question of liability to Key Industry Duty was raised, but, in any case, there was no possibility of obtaining further deliveries on that day, as the workmen had then ceased for the day. The question of liability had been settled and the remainder of the goods were released before noon on Monday the 12th. I think the hon. Member will agree that this can hardly be described as an interference with trade.
Mr. YOUNGIf the hon. Member had followed my reply, he would have seen that there was no delay of any sort or kind.