§ 7. Mr. WELLSasked the President of the Board of Trade how many new factories have been opened in the silk or 5 artificial silk industry, and the number of hands employed since 1st July of last year?
§ Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTERI understand that 10 artificial silk factories have started in this country since 1st July, of which five are in the experimental stage and five are producing; six more are expected to be started shortly. As regards silk factories, I have no information other than that appearing in the Press. This indicates that extensions are being made, and that several new undertakings are equipping factories.
§ 33. Mr. HANNONasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer the amount of revenue which has been collected by His Majesty's Customs and Excise in respect of duty on silk and silk products imported into this country since the imposition of the Silk Duties; and the amount of revenue which has been collected by His Majesty's Customs in respect of fines levied on persons attempting to evade the duties on silk and silk products?
§ The FINANCIAL SECRETARY TO THE TREASURY (Mr. Ronald McNeill)The net Customs revenue collected in respect of imported silk and artificial silk goods between 1st July last and 31st March, 1926, was approximately £2,591,000. The fines received up to 28th February, 1926, in connection with attempts at evasion of the Silk and Artificial Silk Duties, amount to £3,103.
§ Mr. FENBYCan. the right hon. Gentleman tell us how those figures compare with the estimate of the Chancellor of the Exchequer?