§ 34. Colonel GOODMANasked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in connection with the operation of the abnormal importations duties, any special steps are being taken to prevent the free importation, in the guise of Empire products, of articles assembled within the British Empire but of which the component parts are made in foreign countries?
§ Mr. HORE-BELISHAI would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the reply 1073 given yesterday to my hon. Friend the Member for Clayton (Mr. Flanagan) by the Financial Secretary to the Treasury, of which I am sending him a copy.
§ 66. Mr. DOUGLAS HACKINGasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, in view of the uncertainty among Customs officials as to what articles of wearing apparel are included under the headings overcoats and mantles, he will issue a clear definition without delay?
§ 69. Major MILNERasked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether he is aware that doubt exists in the ladies' dress trades as to the meaning to be attached to the terms overcoats and mantles as used in the Order made under the Abnormal Importations (Customs Duties) Act; and will he take immediate steps to make the matter clear to those concerned?
§ The FINANCIAL SECRETARY to the TREASURY (Major Elliot)The expressions "overcoats" and "mantles "must be interpreted in the sense of the ordinary meaning of the -Words, land the question whether any particular garment is covered by them is a question of fact to be determined in each case. If the hon. Members will inform me of any particular articles which they have in mind, I will communicate with the Customs authorities in the matter.
§ Mr. HACKINGWill the hon. and gallant Gentleman tell me the ordinary meaning of the word "mantle"?
§ Major ELLIOTAs I have said, if my right hon. Friend will let me know any particular article which he has in mind, I will communicate with the Customs authorities.
§ Major MILNERWho makes the determination?
Miss CAZALETWill the hon. and gallant Gentleman make it clear that overcoats include ladies' two-piece and three-piece suits, seeing that they include overcoats in each suit?