HC Deb 23 February 1926 vol 192 cc291-2
52. Mr. MACKINDER

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will allow any rebate on the £28 18s. 10d. import duty in respect of a sofa covered with silk, and as such assessed as a made-up article containing silk?

Mr. CHURCHILL

I beg to refer the hon. Member to the answer given to his question of 15th December last on this subject. If he will be good enough to furnish me with sufficient particulars to identify the case he has in mind I will endeavour to give him an answer.

53. Mr. MACKINDER

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer the method adopted to check the claims for drawback on exports of goods containing silk?

Mr. CHURCHILL

The revenue cheeks on drawback claims, in respect of silk goods exported, are of the same kind as those in respect of other classes of drawback goods. It would not be in the public interest to describe them in detail, but I may say that they include, in varying percentages, inspections of the goods, analysis of samples, examination of exporters' records, and verification of actual shipment.

Mr. MACKINDER

Is it correct to assume that it is at least a two days' task for the officials to check these goods on each export?

Mr. CHURCHILL

I will look into that, as I think that would be excessive.

Mr. MACKINDER

Can the right hon. Gentleman not say whether the statement is or is not correct?

Mr. CHURCHILL

There will be many opportunities of discussing these matters on the Budget where the Silk Duties will come up.

Mr. WADDINGTON

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the method of working the Silk Duties in Manchester is quite satisfactory to the exporters?