§ 53. Mr. KILEYasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he is now in a position to say what is the amount of duty His Majesty's Board of Customs have decided to impose on imported gas mantles; and will he state whether delivery of gas mantles was being allowed on a deposit of 25 per cent. of the value of the complete mantles?
§ Sir J. BAIRDThe amount of duty payable in respect of imported gas mantles will vary according to the value of the dutiable ingredients. But as regards 90 per cent. of the importations, it is estimated that the duty involved will not exceed 5 per cent. of the value of the complete article. With regard to the last part of the question, I would point out that my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer informed the hon. Member on the 15th instant that delivery has hitherto been allowed on deposit of a sum equivalent to the duty on a value of 25 per cent. of the value of the complete mantle, not on a deposit of 25 per cent. of the value of the mantle.
§ Mr. KILEYIs the hon. Baronet aware that two answers were given, one stating that there was a duty of 25 per cent. on the value of the complete mantle, and the other stating that there was a duty of 25 per cent. on the dutiable part of the mantle? Which is right?
§ Sir J. BAIRDI think there is some misunderstanding.
§ Mr. KILEYIf I send the hon. Member copies of the two answers I have received, and he sees that there is a contradiction, will he have it put right?
§ Sir J. BAIRDProvided the hon. Member does not keep on repeating the same 1839 question. This has been answered for the third time.
Colonel NEWMANCan the hon. Member tell me whether this duty is imposed under Part I or Part II of the Act?
§ Sir J. BAIRDI should like notice of that question.