§ 41. Mr. LOUIS SMITHasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that the liability to general ad valorem duty of ships imported for demolition in this country is productive of increased unemployment, since such ships are now being sent for breaking-up purposes to foreign countries; and whether he will take this fact into consideration in the Finance Bill?
§ The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER (Mr. Chamberlain)I am not aware that any increase in unemployment which is attributable to the cause suggested has occurred since the imposition of the general ad valorem duty.
§ Mr. SMITHIs it possible for Customs officers to treat a ship coming into this country as one large piece of scrap, to be broken up into smaller pieces? It could then come in under the words of the Act.
§ Mr. CHAMBERLAINI am afraid that I cannot answer that question without notice.