HC Deb 17 July 1931 vol 255 cc1033-4

Motion made, and Question proposed, "That the Clause stand part of the Bill."

Mr. KELLY

On the Second Reading of this Bill, I raised a question regarding this Clause. This Bill comes up every year, but I cannot understand why there is a variation in dates between what happens in the Isle of Man and what happens on the mainland. The Table is included in the Clause, and it outlines in detail the various items. Can the Financial Secretary to the Treasury say why there is a difference in these items between what happens in the Isle of Man and what happens on the mainland? I notice that in connection with some of these duties there seems to be a variation in regard to the dates, and I wish to know if that is the decision of the Treasury, approved by this House, or is that something which the Tynwald has power to decide for itself, afterwards coming to the House of Commons later for approval.

The FINANCIAL SECRETARY to the TREASURY (Mr. Pethick-Lawrence)

We could hardly expect the Isle of Man Customs Bill to get through Committee without the hon. Member for Rochdale (Mr. Kelly) putting some points similar to those which he has just raised. He asked me when these proposals passed through the Tynwald. The answer is during the months of May and June. Then he asks why the dates in relation to particular duties are not identical with the dates of similar duties imposed in the House of Commons. The answer is that the Isle of Man has a separate existence. It imposes Customs Duties according to its own will, subject only to confirmation by the House of Commons, and these are the dates upon which the Isle of Man has decided. It is no part of our business to object to that. All that we are concerned with is, in seeing that there is no leakage of revenue. So long as the Isle of Man customs correspond roughly with our customs—with the sole proviso that their duties do not afford any opportunities of leakage—this House is generally satisfied to accept the pro- posals in the form and with the dates of which the Tynwald approves.

Question, "That the Clause stand part of the Bill," put, and agreed to.

Clause 3 (Interpretation and short title) ordered to stand part of the Bill.

Bill reported, without Amendment; read the Third time, and passed.