17. Dr. MURRAYasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that toy viewscopes are being detained at the ports with a view to levying a duty of 33⅓ per cent, on the ground that the lenses are liable to key industries duty; and, in view of his statement that lenses not optically worked are not liable for duty, whether he can arrange with the Board of Customs that clear instructions should be given to their collectors at the different ports so as to prevent these delays and accumulated charges for rents, breaking in, breaking out, and other examination charges?
§ Mr. BALDWINThe devices to which the question presumably relates are fitted with optically worked magnifier lenses which are dutiable, and therefore my previous statement as to lenses not optically worked does not apply to them. The Board of Customs are fully aware of the facts, and consequently I am not prepared to suggest that they should modify their present practice.
§ Mr. NEIL MACLEANIs it true that these viewscopes are being detained until the Prime Minister brings in his new world?