HC Deb 07 May 1925 vol 183 c1133
95. Captain BENN

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, in view of the inconvenience and loss arising to those engaged in the entrepot trade owing to the inability to obtain rebates, he is prepared to establish in London a free port, similar to that in existence in such a, port as Hamburg?

Mr. CHURCHILL

I am not prepared to accept the implication that the existing facilities for the treatment of transit traffic, for the duty-free warehousing of goods pending determination of destination and for the repayment of duty by way of drawback, are insufficient to meet the requirements of the entrepot trade, or that the establishment of a free port would confer any substantial advantages, having regard to all the considerations involved.

Captain BENN

Has the right hon. Gentleman received no responsible representations to show that these protective measures are seriously threatening the entrepot trade of London?

Mr. CHURCHILL

None.