HC Deb 30 July 1925 vol 187 cc608-9
30. Mr. DALTON

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that a parcel of 39 bales of old cotton rags, consisting of cast-off men's and women's underwear, recently imported from Rotterdam for papermaking by Messrs. Alexander, Jacob and Company, of Peckham, was detained at St. Katherine's Dock on the ground that the bales contained lace; that the Board of Customs have only permitted the firm to take delivery on payment of a deposit of £20; that a small part of the rags, which were once women's underwear, was edged with what once was lace but is now rags; whether such rags come within the departmental definition of lace; and, if not, whether he will give instructions that the aforesaid deposit shall be immediately returned to Messrs. Alexander, Jacob and Company, and that such action shall not be repeated?

The FINANCIAL SECRETARY to the TREASURY (Mr. Guinness)

I am informed that 39 bales of cotton rags were recently imported from Rotterdam. These bales contained a proportion of lace which was prima facie liable to duty on importation. As the case was represented to be urgent, the usual procedure was followed, and delivery was allowed on a deposit of £20 pending settlement of the question of liability to duty. The importers have now been informed in the sense that payment of duty will not be required provided that satisfactory evidence is produced to the Commissioners of Customs that the goods have in fact been used for paper making and that immediate return of the deposit can be obtained on security being given that the goods will be so used.

Mr. DALTON

Will the right hon. Gentleman issue instructions that in similar cases in future legitimate trade shall not be penalised in this way?

Mr. GUINNESS

Legitimate trade is not being penalised at all. It is the duty of the Customs authorities to see that dutiable parts cannot be extracted from such parcels, and the interests concerned are arranging for the setting up of a system under which deliveries shall be made under bond, and no duty will be incurred, provided the materials go straight into the pulping machine.

Mr. HARRIS

Is this not typical of many other cases, where many merchants have had goods delayed for many days?

Mr. GUINNESS

It certainly is not typical of delay, because the goods were immediately handed over.