HC Deb 29 March 1927 vol 204 cc1025-6
18. Sir H. CROFT (for Mrs. PHILIPSON)

asked the President of the Board of Trade how the average declared value per square yard of imported silk piece goods in 1926 compared with the average declared value in 1925?

Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTER

The average declared value (c.i.f. British port) of piece goods, wholly of silk, imported into Great Britain and Northern Ireland in 1925, was 3s. 6d. per square yard, and in 1926 3s. 5d.; and of silk mixed with other materials, if known as "silks,"3s. 6d. in 1925, and 3s. 4d. in 1926.

Sir H. CROFT

Do I understand from that answer that the imports of these silk piece-goods actually decreased in value in spite of the duty and that, therefore, the duty was paid by the foreign importer?

Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTER

The cost since the duty was lower than before the duty was put on.