§ 63. Mr. KILEYasked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware that on some post parcels of artificial flowers imported for the use of a manufacturing millinery firm engaged in the export trade, a key industries duty of 3s. 1d. was levied for the reason that some of the articles consisted of blown glassware; and that the Post Office charged 15s. on the consignment for the opening and re-packing of the goods in question; and whether, in view of similar transactions now occurring, he will consider the advisability of amending the Safeguarding of Industries Act so as to permit such small consignments of raw materials for re-manufacturing purposes being admitted free of duty, especially such petty transactions as the one referred to above?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the BOARD of TRADE (Sir W. Mitchell-Thomson)My attention has not been drawn to the case referred to in the first part of the question, but I am informed that the Post Office charge for the opening and re-packing of any individual parcel is 6d. With regard to the third part of the question, I would refer to the reply given by the Financial Secretary to the Treasury to the hon. Member for Central Edinburgh (Mr. W. Graham) on the 13th February last.
§ Mr. KILEYCould the hon. Baronet say what action the Board of Trade are taking to protect traders against having to pay a charge of 15s. for the collection of 3s. 1d. of duty?
§ Sir W. MITCHELL-THOMSONI do not think that that bears on the question. As I have said, the Post Office charge is 6d. per parcel, and if there was a charge of 15s. it would appear that there were a good many parcels.
§ Mr. KILEYIs it not the duty of the Board of Trade to assist in protecting the trader against an imposition of this kind?