HC Deb 19 December 1921 vol 149 cc381-2
38. Mr. BRIANT

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether his attention has been called to a consignment of toys recently imported into this country, which included some children's games called fishponds, which goods, on critical examination, were discovered by the Customs officials to contain small hooks attached to little pieces of rod of small value; whether the importer of these goods was asked to declare the value of the small pieces of wire in question on the ground that the wire was dutiable under the Safeguarding of Industries Act as being in the category of ignition magnetos and permanent magnetos; whether he is aware that these goods were only released, on depositing the sum of 2s., to the importer after considerable delay; and whether he is prepared to give instructions which will prevent such inconvenience and attendant expenses for rent and other charges being imposed in future upon importers of such trifles?

Mr. YOUNG

I understand that the facts are substantially as stated. The hooks in question were pronounced on expert advice to be permanent magnets and, therefore, dutiable under the Schedule to the Safeguarding of Industries Act. The matter referred to in the last paragraph of the question is receiving attention, and I hope shortly to be able to authorise the exemption from Key Industries Duty of certain articles of the kind in question, so long as the exemption will not operate to defeat the substantial objects of the Act.

Major M. WOOD

Does not the hon. Member think that the collection of these small sums is not worth the great trouble and inconvenience that is inflicted on traders?

Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHY

Can the hon. Member say how they have managed to get children's fishponds into key industries, and what possible use can that sort of article be in wartime in this country?

Mr. YOUNG

Any question about the interpretation of the Schedule must be addressed to the Board of Trade.

Mr. KILEY

Is the hon. Member aware that through the delay in the collection of this 2s. the goods have been either stolen or lost in the docks?

Major WOOD

May I have an answer to my question?

Mr. YOUNG

Possibly the hon. Member may deduce something from the latter portion of my answer— I hope shortly to be able to authorise the exemption from Key Industries duty of certain articles of the kind in question, so long as the exemption will not operate to defeat the substantial objects of the Act.

Mr. CLYNES

Has the hon. Member observed how the figures for unemployment have gone up since this Act took effect?